Public meeting to discuss development of standards for drug classes

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced that it will host a public meeting to discuss development of standards for drug classes and categories under the new Medicare prescription drug benefit.

In establishing these guidelines, the Medicare Modernization Act (MMA) requires that United States Pharmacopeia (USP), a nongovernmental organization, seek guidance from the public as well as experts in developing a model guideline for drug coverage to be used by prescription drug plans and Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans.

“Public input into issues related to formularies and drug classes is an important issue in making sure that beneficiaries can get the medicines they need at the lowest cost in Medicare’s new drug benefit,” said Mark B. McClellan, M.D., Ph.D.

“We encourage everyone who is interested in these important formulary issues to participate in this public forum,” he added.