Generic Drug Reimbursement Cuts Delayed for Six Months

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced a decision to delay implementation of a proposed rule to reduce Medicaid reimbursements to pharmacies for generic prescription drugs for six months. (Kaiser Network)

According to Kaiser, the rule also would require drug companies to “offer Medicaid the lowest price offered to any purchaser — which includes any “rebates, discounts or other price concessions” offered to PBMs or mail-order pharmacies.”

Like many such government regulations, the proposed rule would disproportionately affect pharmacies in low-income areas. The National Community Pharmacists Association believes the rule would cause smaller pharmacies to opt out of Medicaid participation.