CMS has proposed strengthening its current oversight requirements and penalties for Medicare Advantage plans and Part D prescription drug plans. In its rule, CMS proposes clarifications to Medicare program provisions relating to contract determinations involving Medicare Advantage organizations and Medicare Part D prescription drug plan sponsors, including new steps to help expose potential fraud or misconduct through mandatory self-reporting, and changes to streamline the process relating to intermediate sanctions and contract determinations
The proposed rule will go through a 60-day period of public notice and comment and a final rule is expected to be released later this year.
CMS is also releasing another proposed rule which makes technical changes to the regulations implementing the Part D prescription drug benefit. In general, the proposal makes certain technical corrections and clarifications to the Jan. 28, 2005, final rule. Areas addressed in the regulation include inhaled insulin, coordination of benefits, and the retiree drug subsidy, among others.
CMS also proposes, effective 2009, to refine certain rules relating to the determination and reporting of prescription drug costs. CMS is also proposing to update the requirements of Part D sponsors to ensure adequate access to home infusion pharmacies. Read the notice.
