IRVING, Texas, Sep. 1, 2023 – Today, Vizient, Inc. offered comments on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed rule detailing how the agency plans to restore payments for hospitals that had reimbursement unlawfully reduced for drugs purchased through the 340B Drug Pricing Program from 2018-2022. Through its comments, Vizient shared several recommendations for the agency as it works to finalize the proposed remedy.
In response to CMS' proposed remedy, Vizient applauded the agency for proposing to repay impacted 340B hospitals through a one-time lump sum payment by the end of late 2023 or early 2024. Vizient also expressed support for the agency's intention to alleviate the burden on providers by not requiring hospitals to resubmit claims for lost payments over the impacted period.
However, Vizient raised concerns about the agency's position to maintain budget neutrality for the years the cuts were in effect and urged CMS to withdraw its proposed policy of cutting future payments to providers. In addition, Vizient urged CMS to provide clarity regarding how and when it will assure Medicare Advantage Organizations appropriately reimburse providers for these underpayments.
"Vizient strongly disagrees with CMS' belief that the remedy be budget neutral. Hospitals should not have to endure reduced payments as a result of the agency's unlawful policies," said Shoshana Krilow, senior vice president of public policy and government relations for Vizient. "We urge the agency to reevaluate its stance and move forward with immediate repayment to providers."
Vizient thanks CMS for the opportunity to share feedback on the proposed remedy given its significant impact on our provider members and the patients they serve.
About Vizient, Inc.
Vizient, Inc., the nation's largest provider-driven healthcare performance improvement company, serves more than 60% of the nation's acute care providers, which includes 97% of the nation's academic medical centers, and more than 25% of the non-acute care market. Vizient provides expertise, analytics and advisory services, as well as a contract portfolio that represents more than $130 billion in annual purchasing volume. Vizient's solutions and services improve the delivery of high-value care by aligning cost, quality and market performance. Headquartered in Irving, Texas, Vizient has offices throughout the United States. Learn more at www.vizientinc.com.