HHS issues final guidance for second cycle of drug price negotiations 

The Department of Health and Human Services Oct. 2 released final guidance detailing the process for the second cycle of negotiations under the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program. It also explains how the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will help ensure Medicare beneficiaries can access drugs at the negotiated prices from the first and second cycles when those prices become effective in 2026 and 2027, respectively. CMS in August announced lower prices for 10 drugs covered by Part D that were selected in the first round. AHA in July commented on the guidance for the program, expressing concern about CMS’ proposal to retrospectively effectuate access to the negotiated prices and its implications for the 340B program. AHA will share more information soon about specific implications of the final guidance for hospitals.