PBMs Voice Concern over Proposal to Remove Protections for Drug Rebates

The Pharmaceutical Care Management Association is concerned about a proposed rule that could remove safe harbor protections for pharmaceutical company rebates and significantly change how drug prices are formulated.

HHS submitted the proposed rule, titled “Removal of Safe Harbor Protection for Rebates to Plans or Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) Involving Prescription Pharmaceuticals and Creation of New Safe Harbor Protection to the Office of Management and Budget,” for review last week.

Although the full text has yet to be released, the PBM group believes the rule will target anti-kickback and Medicare Part D statutes and the protection of pharmaceutical company rebates.