Due to the COVID-19 PHE, flexibilities were implemented to prevent lapses in patient care by allowing the prescribing of schedule II-V controlled medications via audio-video telemedicine encounters – including schedule III-V narcotic controlled medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for maintenance and withdrawal management of opioid use disorder – even when the prescribing practitioner had not conducted an in-person medical evaluation of the patient.

Due to the COVID-19 PHE, flexibilities were implemented to prevent lapses in patient care by allowing the prescribing of schedule II-V controlled medications via audio-video telemedicine encounters – including schedule III-V narcotic controlled medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for maintenance and withdrawal management of opioid use disorder – even when the prescribing practitioner had not conducted an in-person medical evaluation of the patient.

On August 29, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the first 10 Part D drugs selected for negotiation under the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program. The negotiation process for these drugs will take place during 2023 and 2024, and maximum fair prices will be applicable starting in 2026.

On July 24, 2023, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a memorandum titled “Revision - Contract Year 2023 Program Guidance Related to Inflation Reduction Act Changes to Part D Coverage of Vaccines” (Revised Guidance).

In May 2023, HHS and DEA issued a temporary rule (First Temporary Rule) that extended these flexibilities until Nov. 11, 2023, for practitioner-patient relationships formed after the expiration of the COVID-19 PHE.

On June 30, 2023, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued final guidance on the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program for the initial price applicability year 2026 (Revised Guidance).

On June 2, 2023, CMS issued a memo via HPMS reminding plan sponsors of requirements related to the pharmacy price concessions provisions in the May 9, 2022 final rule (CMS-4192- F).