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On January 6, 2022, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (“CMS”) issued a proposed rule entitled “Medicare Program; Contract Year 2023 Policy and Technical Changes to the Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Programs” (the “2022 Proposed Rule”). Of great significance to Medicare Part D plan sponsors, pharmacies, and beneficiaries, the 2022 Proposed Rule includes proposed changes to the way Medicare determines the “negotiated price” (i.e., the price upon which beneficiary cost-sharing is based at the pharmacy counter), and consequently could affect Part D plan sponsors’ reporting of costs to CMS. If finalized in its current form, the 2022 Proposed Rule could enhance predictability of cash flow for pharmacies, reduce out-of-pocket prescription drug costs for Medicare Part D enrollees, and lead Part D plan sponsors to raise premiums, thereby causing increased competition among Part D plan sponsors for beneficiaries. The 2022 Proposed Rule would take effect on January 1, 2023. Comments on the rule are due by March 7, 2022.

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