CMS releases draft guidance for third cycle of Medicare drug price negotiations

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services May 12 released draft guidance for the third round of negotiations for the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program. The guidance includes policies incorporating drugs payable under Medicare Part B into the program for the first time and is soliciting comments on how to facilitate access to any negotiated maximum fair price for Part B drugs. The guidance also explains how CMS would choose certain drugs for renegotiation that were initially negotiated for applicability in 2026 and 2027. Additionally, it includes clarifications on how participating drug manufacturers would make negotiated MFPs available in 2026 and 2027 and extends those policies to drugs covered under Part D in 2028. 
 
CMS is accepting comments on the draft guidance until 11:59 p.m. PT June 26.