Oncologists, biopharmas, patients protest Part B plan

In a (see BioCentury, March 14).

The letter asserts that Medicare beneficiaries with life-threatening or disabling conditions "would be forced to navigate a CMS initiative that could potentially lead to an abrupt halt in their treatment." It assails CMS for failing to consult with stakeholders prior to announcing the proposal, and for seeking to implement the model nationwide. It also calls for CMS to evaluate the effect of budget sequestration that has effectively cut the current ASP plus 6% by 2%, before "implementing a new, severe reimbursement cut that is effectively ASP plus 0.86% (plus a small flat fee)." ...