The CMS recently released the names of the 15 drugs that will be included in the second round of negotiations as part of the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program, a list which includes Otezla and Ofev. Per lessons learned from the first round, last summer the CMS released guidance outlining its intentions to amplify the voices of providers and patients during the second round of negotiations. To accomplish this, the CMS has announced a series of public engagement events this spring. These events will be a good opportunity for ACR members to be a strong voice for rheumatology and offer input on the drugs selected for the second cycle of negotiations
The CMS is seeking insights into:
- The clinical benefits of selected drugs compared to therapeutic alternatives;
- How the drugs address unmet patient needs;
- The impact of these drugs on specific populations; and
- Prescribing experiences and clinical considerations for treatment.
Public Engagement Events
- Livestreamed town hall: A public town hall focused on the clinical considerations related to the selected drugs will be held on April 30. It will be open to all as listeners, with opportunities for clinicians and researchers to speak. Registration for the opportunity to speak is open until March 12. Selected participants will receive a confirmation email the week of March 24 and will have four days after receipt of the email to confirm availability and any needed language interpretation services.
- Patient-focused roundtable events: The CMS will host private discussions (not livestreamed) for patients, caregivers and patient organizations to share lived experiences with selected drugs. Fifteen events—one for each selected drug—will be held April 16–29. Register for one of the roundtable events by March 12.
Further information about the events is available from the CMS. If you are not able to attend any of these events, the CMS encourages the public to submit written input about selected drugs and evidence about alternative treatments. Submissions can include data on the selected drugs, therapeutic alternatives to the selected drugs, data related to unmet medical need and impacts on specific populations as well as the patient/caregiver experience. Statements can be submitted here by March 1.
