Prescription Drug Tariffs
A notice was published in the Federal Register that effectively is a precursor to the Administration applying tariffs on imported drugs. The review includes not just the drugs but also components such as active pharmaceutical ingredients and key starting material (i.e., potential for a very broad tariff). Feedback is due in 21 days and a tariff could be imposed soon thereafter. The effects are expected to differ by market.
Prescription Drug Executive Order
The White House also released an executive order around prescription drugs. The Executive Order directed the HHS Secretary to make improvement to the Drug Negotiation program, stabilize Part D premiums, create a model to improve Medicare beneficiary access to high-cost prescription drugs, survey hospital acquisition cost for drugs covered by Medicare, provide recommendations for PBM reform, make it easier for drug importation, conduct a site of service survey among other changes.
Deregulation
HHS announced it will “cut” regulations without the traditional notice and comment period. The vacating of regulations could start as soon as April 19. It is unclear which regulations could be targeted. The affected regulations are likely to appear in the federal registrar.
On The Hill
Politico reported that the Energy and Commerce Committee could meet as soon as May 5 to begin marking up (writing ) its portion of the reconciliation bill. Several House Republicans wrote to the Speaker this week stating that cuts to Medicaid should focus on the Expansion population rather than other Medicaid beneficiaries.
