Advocacy Win: CMS Proposes Broader Medicare Access to TAVR
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) is a life-saving minimally-invasive treatment for aortic stenosis that eliminates the need for open-heart surgery. Last week a newly released proposed National Coverage Determination (NCD) update recomends expanded coverage of TAVR access to millions of Americans over age 75.
Later that day, in a unanimous, 9-0 vote, the vaccine advisory committee concluded that the benefits of vaccination with Moderna's mRNA-1010 outweigh the risks in adults between 50 and 64 years of age. Panelists separately all voted that the shot appeared similarly beneficial for adults aged 65 and older.
Moderna is seeking standard approval for mRNA-1010 in the former group and an accelerated approval in the latter. A decision is expected by Aug. 5.
Comments: Proposal on Interoperability Standards Needs Oversight
This month The Alliance submitted comments on the CMS Proposed Rule on Interoperability Standards and Prior Authorization for Drugs.
The Alliance is confident that CMS is taking steps to mitigate the growing negative impact of prior authorization (PA) on patients, caregivers and their providers through timely electronic transmission of denials, appeals and clinical data, and presumably greater transparency.
However, the CMS proposal notably excludes Part D plans, where prior authorization practices have increased significantly, from these new requirements, as well as from certain enhanced data collection and reporting provisions.
The Alliance urges CMS to apply greater oversight across all Medicare plans and expand efforts to curb the growth and inequities of PA and step therapy.
From the testimony: “We oppose these proposals because they misinterpret how the patent system functions and, if enacted, would weaken the innovation ecosystem that supports the development of future treatments older Americans urgently need…. Weakening IP and patent protections is going to disincentivize research and development a lot more than it will ever lower drug prices.”
As we continue to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and amplify the voices of patients, advocates, caregivers, and experts, we’re excited to explore how music transforms the way we approach neurodegenerative care.
Joining us on the next episode of This Is Growing Oldare Marianna Blagburn and Amy Hewes, Directors of Memory Support and Programming at Ingleside, an assisted living community with a robust music therapy programming designed to support cognitive, emotional, and social well-being.
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