Menu Search Account

LegiStorm

Get LegiStorm App Visit Product Demo Website
» Get LegiStorm App
» Get LegiStorm Pro Free Demo

Medicare Preferred Pharmacy Networks (CRS Report for Congress)

Premium   Purchase PDF for $24.95 (3 pages)
add to cart or subscribe for unlimited access
Release Date Revised April 5, 2016
Report Number IF10037
Report Type In Focus
Authors Suzanne M. Kirchhoff
Source Agency Congressional Research Service
Older Revisions
  • Premium   Jan. 6, 2015 (2 pages, $24.95) add
Summary:

"The Issue: Private insurers participating in the Medicare Part D prescription drug program offer reduced cost-sharing to enrollees who agree to patronize a limited number of “preferred pharmacies.” Insurers say they can negotiate price concessions from pharmacies that want to join the narrow preferred networks, providing savings to Medicare beneficiaries and the federal government. But independent druggists say their pharmacies are often excluded from the preferred networks, which have been dominated by national drug chains. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has increased oversight of preferred pharmacies, saying its data indicate some Part D plans do not always offer lower drug prices at preferred pharmacies, or do not have a sufficient number of preferred retailers in certain geographic areas, potentially violating federal rules. "