IRVING, Texas, July 14, 2023 – With continued workforce and financial pressures leaving hospitals in a vulnerable position, it is imperative that CMS reconsider its proposed payment update of 2.8% as it is wholly insufficient in addressing the ongoing financial challenges hospitals are enduring.
While Vizient is continuing to review the proposed rule, we appreciate CMS's efforts to support a more resilient pharmaceutical supply chain by considering add-on payments under the Inpatient Prospective Payment System to providers who hold (or have a contractual arrangement with an entity that does) a buffer inventory of essential medicines. For years, Vizient has been deeply committed to improving drug supply chain resiliency through various efforts, including our own well-established strategy to ensure additional inventory of essential products is held for providers. We encourage CMS to work alongside industry stakeholders to swiftly refine and finalize this policy.