CMS Finalizes Permanent Rules for Medicare Drug Price Negotiation

CMS finalized a rule establishing a permanent framework for the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program, with policies taking effect for prices beginning in 2029. By Feb. 1, 2027, CMS will select up to 20 additional negotiation-eligible drugs for the program's fourth cycle, along with drugs for renegotiation. The rule addresses fixed combination drugs CMS deems new formulations of existing drugs to prevent circumvention of maximum fair prices, implements a required temporary price floor for small biotech drugs for 2029-2030, and codifies Part D requirements that plans include selected drugs with an effective maximum fair price on their formularies and cap prices paid to dispensing entities at that price plus dispensing fees.

Pharmacy