News & Press https://www.aparx.org/news/default.asp Sun, 7 Jun 2026 09:27:14 GMT Thu, 9 Apr 2026 17:31:00 GMT Copyright © 2026 Alabama Pharmacy Association FY2027 inpatient rehabilitation facility prospective payment system proposed rule (CMS-1845-P) https://www.aparx.org/news/news.asp?id=725114 https://www.aparx.org/news/news.asp?id=725114 CMS’ FY 2027 Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility (IRF) Proposed Rule updates payment policies, quality reporting, and care requirements to improve patient outcomes and program efficiency. The rule proposes a 2.4% payment increase (about $355 million overall), along with updates to payment factors, wage index, and outlier thresholds. It also clarifies care delivery expectations, including requiring all therapies to begin within 36 hours of admission and strengthening interdisciplinary team planning timelines. To improve transparency, CMS proposes shortening quality data reporting timelines to make information available to the public more quickly. Additional proposals include updates to competitive bidding requirements for medical equipment and requests for feedback on modernizing payment systems and incorporating measures like advanced care planning. Overall, the rule aims to enhance care quality, reduce administrative burden, and improve the accuracy and timeliness of data for patients and providers.
]]> Thu, 9 Apr 2026 18:31:00 GMT Medicare beneficiaries to see simpler, more flexible plan choices, better Rx coverage and lower cost https://www.aparx.org/news/news.asp?id=725099 https://www.aparx.org/news/news.asp?id=725099 Medicare Beneficiaries to See Simpler and More Flexible Plan Choices, Better Drug Coverage, Higher Quality and Lower Costs in 2027 & Contract Year 2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D Final Rule The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has finalized the Contract Year 2027 Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Part D rule to make Medicare simpler, more transparent, and more patient-centered. The rule refines the Star Ratings system to emphasize meaningful clinical outcomes and patient experience — including a new depression screening measure — while removing less useful administrative measures and continuing to reward consistently high-performing plans. It also codifies key Inflation Reduction Act changes to Part D, including eliminating the coverage gap, lowering out-of-pocket costs, and removing cost sharing in the catastrophic phase. Additional updates strengthen oversight and transparency for supplemental benefits (such as debit cards), clarify that illegal cannabis products are not allowable, and streamline enrollment and regulatory requirements to reduce burden and improve beneficiary choice. Overall, these changes are designed to help beneficiaries make more informed decisions, reduce unexpected costs, and access higher-quality, more reliable coverage.

]]> Thu, 9 Apr 2026 15:58:00 GMT CMS expanding pateint-centered innovation w/subsance access beneficiary engagement incentive https://www.aparx.org/news/news.asp?id=725092 https://www.aparx.org/news/news.asp?id=725092 The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is advancing patient-centered innovation through a new Substance Access Beneficiary Engagement Incentive (BEI), available beginning April 1, 2026, for select participants in CMS Innovation Center models. This optional incentive allows organizations in the ACO REACH Model and Enhancing Oncology Model (EOM) to incorporate eligible hemp-derived products into clinician-guided care plans, consistent with federal and state law, with the LEAD Model expected to follow in 2027. Participating organizations may provide up to $500 per year per eligible beneficiary for qualifying products, which must meet strict federal standards and be used under clinician oversight through shared decision-making. This is not a Medicare coverage change, and CMS will not reimburse providers for these products. The initiative reflects CMS’ commitment to testing innovative, coordinated care approaches that prioritize patient needs while maintaining strong safeguards and program integrity.

]]> Thu, 9 Apr 2026 15:12:00 GMT Get ready for the Medicare transaction facilitator data module and get enrolled https://www.aparx.org/news/news.asp?id=718055 https://www.aparx.org/news/news.asp?id=718055 Beginning January 1, the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program will hit a new milestone. The negotiated maximum fair prices (MFPs) for the first ten selected drugs will start to be available at the pharmacy counter under Medicare Part D.

To help the implementation of these new negotiated MFPs, CMS has established a new system called the Medicare Transaction Facilitator (MTF). The MTF will provide the operational infrastructure to facilitate the process by which drug manufacturers make the MFP available to pharmacies across the US. For a quick overview of the MTF and the role it will play in implementing this program, you can watch this short video: Enroll in the Medicare Transaction Facilitator (MTF).

Pharmacy enrollment in the MTF Data Module is important to ensure pharmacies are prepared for the execution of the program beginning January 1. Here are some resources for pharmacies:

  • MTF Helpdesk: Call, email or live chat with an agent to receive direct support and answers to any questions.
  • MTF FAQs: View the frequently asked questions, covering the negotiation program broadly and a host of specific topics about the MTF and its operations.
  • MTF Resources: CMS has published a variety of resources, including instructional videos, user guides, and fact sheets to support pharmacies in accessing, enrolling in, and using the MTF.
  • Pharmacy and Dispensing Entity Webpage: View CMS' dedicated webpage for pharmacies and other dispensing entities to access the latest information.
]]> Thu, 13 Nov 2025 17:39:00 GMT APA Independent Summit Recap https://www.aparx.org/news/news.asp?id=701707 https://www.aparx.org/news/news.asp?id=701707 APA held an Independent Pharmacy Summit, Sunday, May 4 in Auburn with over sixty in attendance.

Bobby Giles presented information on SB252, it's provisions, timelines, and exact action pharmacies should be taking as of April 15.

Frank Tant has been named APA's Department of Insurance Liaison and will be working to ensure SB252 is enforced to the full extent of the law. Frank presented on implementing PM laws plus shared information on DOI complaints. His slides can be viewed here. We are researching ways to streamline the complaint process and will keep you updated. Additionally, Frank has created a Loom video explaining the changes to PBM transaction fees due to the new law.

APA is building out a section on our website that will be a one-stop-shop with all things related to PBMs and the DOI. Visit this page often as it is growing daily.

A group discussion was held on potential future legislation and other actions. APA is in the process of developing new and exciting ways for members to be involved in decisions and communicate with colleagues. This is just the beginning.

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