CMSRELEASESINITIAL GUIDANCEFORMEDICAREDRUGPRICENEGOTIATION

Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program: Initial Memorandum, Implementation of Sections 1191 ? 1198 of the Social Security Act for Initial Price Applicability Year 2026, and Solicitation of Comments (cms.gov)

This guidance is the first part of several measures that CMShas outlined in the timeline for the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program's inaugural year of negotiation. The initial guidance for the program explains the prerequisites and processes for establishing the new Negotiation Program during the first round of negotiations These negotiations are scheduled for 2023 and 2024, and the resulting prices will take effect in 2026

Key dates for program implementation are as follows:

- By Sept em ber 1, 2023, CMSwill publish the first 10 Medicare Part D drugs selected for initial price applicability year 2026 under the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program

- The negotiated maximum fair prices for these drugs will be published by Sept em ber 1, 2024, and prices will go into effect January 1, 2026 Going forward, CMSwill select for negotiation up to 15 more Part D drugs for 2027, up to 15 more Part B or Part D drugs for 2028, and up to 20 more Part B or Part D drugs for each year after that, as outlined in the Inflation Reduction Act