(Washington, DC)—The Pharmaceutical Care Management Association (PCMA) released the following statement on the announcement by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) of refinements to the competitive acquisition program (CAP) for drugs administered by physicians. PCMA is the national association representing America’s pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs):

“The latest revisions to the CAP rules represent a step forward towards a more viable voluntary program intended to make it easier and more cost-effective for doctors to administer drug products reimbursed under Medicare Part B.

“A significant improvement is that the price negotiated by CAP vendors with manufacturers will not be factored into the calculation of the average sales price (ASP) reimbursement benchmark. This improvement will encourage price competition among CAP vendors and eliminate the possibility of artificial price floors tied to ASP.

“PCMA will continue to work with CMS to find new ways to provide the incentives, safeguards, and guidelines to encourage participation by specialty pharmacies and other vendors in the CAP program. A successful program will enhance marketplace competition and help ensure that Medicare beneficiaries have access to advanced specialty drug products

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The Pharmaceutical Care Management Association (PCMA) is the national trade association representing America’s pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). PCMA member companies provide pharmaceutical care management services to more than 200 million Americans.

Contact Information:
Tim Brogan
(202) 207-3610