BIO NJ is deeply concerned with the Trump Administration’s International Pricing Index for prescription drugs and has encouraged Center for Medicare and Medicaid Studies Administrator Seema Verma to withdraw it in its entirety.
BIO NJ Public Policy Update
FEDERAL Issues
BioNJ Comments on IPI APRNM
BioNJ last month submitted comments on the Trump Administration’s advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) proposing the International Pricing Index (IPI). The IPI as proposed is a five-year demonstration project covering 50 percent of the country that would use prices paid for drugs and biologics in foreign countries as a reference price for Medicare Part B. BioNJ is deeply concerned with the IPI proposal and encouraged CMS Administrator Seema Verma to withdraw the ANPRM in its entirety. BioNJ also shared its comment letter with members of New Jersey’s federal delegation, and we look forward to working with our delegation to ensure that Patient access to necessary treatments and health innovation is protected.
Click Here for BioNJ’s Comments on the IPI Proposal
Congress Reconvenes as Shutdown Persists
New Jersey’s federal delegation was sworn into office last week as the federal government’s partial shutdown continued. The shutdown started December 21 as a result of a dispute over border funding. New Jersey’s federal delegation includes four new Members of Congress in 2019: Rep. Jeff Van Drew (D-1), Rep. Andy Kim (D-3), Rep. Tom Malinowski (D-7) and Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-11). BioNJ congratulates our delegation on their November elections, and we look forward to working with our federal delegation on life sciences priorities in the 116th Congress.
340B OPPS Ruling Released
In a December 27th decision, United States District Judge Rudolph Contreras ruled the Trump Administration overstepped its authority in reducing reimbursement for certain 340B covered entities. The Trump Administration had reduced reimbursement by 28 percent for 340B Part B drugs beginning January 1, 2018. However, the impact of the ruling is unclear as Judge Contreras has asked both parties for supplemental information within 30 days on appropriate remedy for the underlying decision.
Click Here to Read the Court Decision
Pain Management Task Force Unveils Draft Report
A federal task force responsible for identifying gaps in pain management – as well as solutions – has released its draft report with recommendations for improving pain management. The Pain Management Best Practices Inter-Agency Task Force was formed following the passage of the result of the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) of 2016. The Task Force’s membership includes representatives of federal agencies as well as others with expertise in substance use disorders, mental health and pain management. The recommendations focus on pain management that is balanced, individualized, multidisciplinary and multi-modal.
Click Here to Read the Task Force Draft Report
STATE Issues
BioNJ’s Hart, Others Named to Commission
Governor Murphy announced in late December that BioNJ President and CEO Debbie Hart would serve on the reactivated New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology. Governor Murphy had previously signed legislation last summer to reactive the Commission after a decade of inactivity. In addition to Hart, other Commission members include NJIT President Joel Bloom and Rutgers University President Robert Barchi.
Click Here for More Information on the Governor’s Appointments
