On May 11th, President Trump released “American Patients First,” a blueprint outlining the Administration’s plans to address high drug prices. The plan includes specific policy actions as well as a list of questions and proposals in which the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) seeks feedback. There are several proposals relevant to the bleeding disorders community, including: moving some or all Medicare Part B drugs to Part D, so that pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) can negotiate lower prices; evaluating policies related to manufacturer co-pay programs; and creating a new Medicaid demonstration to test narrow drug formularies in five states. The plan also raises questions and concerns about the 340B program, including regarding which patients are eligible to use the program.
NHF commented on the blueprint in in two ways: on a joint, bleeding-disorders specific letter with HFA and with a coalition of more than 100 groups in I am Essential. Both letters raised concerns about proposals that may have the unintended consequence of raising costs or limiting access for patients with bleeding disorders and others with expensive, chronic conditions. We will continue to monitor Administration activities on drug pricing.