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).

On January 31, 2020, HHS declared a public health emergency (Declaration) pursuant to the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act (PREP Act), in response to the COVID– 19 outbreak.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) are issuing this temporary rule to extend certain exceptions granted to existing DEA regulations in March 2020 because of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (COVID-19 PHE).