CMS demo could pave the path to eliminating Part D rebates

The Trump administration is laying the groundwork to put policies in place in 2020 that would reduce out-of-pocket spending by senior citizens with high drug costs, boost drug company revenues -- and shift undetermined costs to taxpayers.

In a memo released April 5, CMS signaled its intention to shield drug plans from uncertainty associated with the agency’s proposal to scrap rebates drug companies pay to secure Medicare Part D coverage and favorable placement on co-pay tiers...