CMS to allow Part D plans to use new formulary tool beginning in 2020

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Aug. 29 announced that beginning in 2020 it will allow Medicare Part D plans to vary the formulary placement of a drug based on what condition the drug may treat. Today, if a health plan covers a drug, it must cover it for all approved indications unless a particular use is not covered under Part D generally. According to CMS, this flexibility will give plans greater negotiating leverage with drug manufacturers and reduce the prices they pay for drugs. For more information, see the CMS factsheet.