Healthy Skepticism Library item: 12799

Warning: This library includes all items relevant to health product marketing that we are aware of regardless of quality. Often we do not agree with all or part of the contents.

Publication type: Journal Article

Lopert R, Moon M.
Toward a rational, value-based drug benefit for Medicare.
Health Aff (Millwood) 2007 Nov-Dec; 26:(6):1666-73
http://content.healthaffairs.org/cgi/content/full/26/6/1666

Abstract:

A major challenge facing Congress is what changes, if any, to make to Medicare Part D. With the apparent failure of the Democrats’ attempt to remove the prohibition on government intervention in drug price negotiations, the party’s next steps are unclear. One suggested option is a plan administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), to compete with private plans and facilitate a transition to a more rational structure. We discuss issues surrounding the design of such a mechanism and how it might provide a transition toward a more rational and sustainable drug benefit in the longer term.

Keywords:
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (U.S.) Drug Costs Drug Industry/economics* Humans Insurance, Pharmaceutical Services/legislation & jurisprudence* Medicare Part D/legislation & jurisprudence* Medication Therapy Management* Negotiating Prescriptions, Drug/economics* United States