EurekAlert reports the American College of Rheumatology has expressed its extreme disappointment with a new CMS decision to allow Medicare Advantage plans to implement step therapy for Part B drugs and cross-manage Part B and D drug utilization. The policy change threatens patient access to drugs covered under Medicare Part B for the 54 million Americans living with rheumatic diseases. This policy puts insurance companies in control of patient treatment plans. Compromising medical decision making between doctors and patients prevents timely access to medications that effectively control disease.
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-08/acor-aco080918.php