CMS seeks sickle cell gene therapy makers to participate in Medicaid drug model 

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services March 7 invited drug makers in the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program that make federally approved gene therapies for sickle cell disease to apply through May 1 to participate in the Cell and Gene Therapy Access Model. Announced in January, the model will negotiate rebate agreements with participating drug makers in an effort to increase access to treatments for Medicaid patients with rare and severe diseases, beginning with sickle cell disease. CMS expects states to apply this summer to participate in the voluntary model, which may also include the Children’s Health Insurance Program, depending on state and manufacturer interest.