The ACR issued a statement in response to CMS’ list of drugs that will be impacted by drug pricing negotiations. Among the drugs listed are etanercept and ustekinumab—both of which are used to treat patients with rheumatic diseases. Although the ACR highlighted the importance of reducing drug costs as a means of improving access to necessary therapeutics, the organization emphasized its concern that Congress may fail to exempt Medicare Part B reimbursements from sequestration reductions. “[W]e are optimistic that these negotiations will yield savings for our patients. However, we ask that policymakers address the root causes of drug pricing increases throughout the drug supply chain to truly help patients afford their medications,” concluded Douglas White, MD, PhD, President of the ACR.
September 07, 2023