CMS warns state Medicaid programs on hepatitis c drug restrictions
By Ed Silverman
Demonstrating concern over prescription drug costs, the Obama administration wrote state Medicaid programs that they may be violating federal law by restricting access to hepatitis C medicines. At the same time, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services wrote four drug makers asking for information about pricing arrangements with insurers and pharmacy benefits managers.
“The rhetoric around health care costs can become heated, particularly around the cost of prescription drugs,” Andy Slavitt, the CMS acting administrator, wrote in a blog post disclosing the notice. “At times, it can appear as if some of those who produce the pharmaceuticals and those whose lives often depend on them have unaligned interests. But we will not make progress by polarizing this debate.” Read More