CMS Issues Final Call Letter

On April 6, 2015 CMS issued the final payment rates and policy changes to Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans for 2016. On average, the expected revenue change is an increase of 3.25 percent. CMS released the proposed Advance Notice and Draft Call letter on Friday February 20 2015 and accepted comments through Friday, March 6. CMS states in its press release that Medicare Advantage (MA) enrollment has increased 42 percent since the ACA was passed with more than 16 million beneficiaries enrolled, which represents approximately 30 percent of the overall Medicare population. CMS further states that average premiums for MA plans are lower today than they were in 2010, dropping 6 percent between 2010 and 2015.
 Download the NASP summary of CMS proposals relevant to specialty pharmacy.