The government agency that advises Congress on Medicare payment matters met publicly in Washington, D.C. last week.

During the virtual meeting, members of the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission discussed:

  • addressing high prices of drugs covered under Medicare Part B
  • initial findings from MedPAC’s analysis of Part D data on drug rebates and discounts
  • segmentation in the stand-alone Part D prescription drug plan market
  • leveraging Medicare policies to address social determinants of health
  • an approach to streamline and harmonize Medicare’s portfolio of alternative payment models
  • aligning fee-for-service payment rates across ambulatory settings

MedPAC is an independent congressional agency that advises Congress on issues involving Medicare.  While its recommendations are not binding on either Congress or the administration, MedPAC is highly influential in governing circles and its recommendations often find their way into legislation, regulations, and new public policy.

For a look at the agenda for the two-day meeting and to find the presentations for each of these subjects, go here.