Last week, we wrote analyzing key provisions of the Covered Outpatient Drug final rule (“Final AMP Rule”) and their impact on manufacturers, pharmacy benefit managers (“PBMs”), and pharmacies.  We focused on the following four provisions: (i) the definition of bona fide service fees; (ii) the definition of bundled sales; (iii) the definition of retail community pharmacy; and (iv) the change in Medicaid reimbursement to reimbursement based on Actual Acquisition Cost (“AAC”).

On the heels of the release of the Final AMP Rule, CMS released a State Medicaid Director Letter providing guidance on implementation of the Final AMP Rule.  The letter provides practical instructions to the states on their obligation to adopt a Medicaid reimbursement methodology for AAC that reflects the “actual prices” pharmacy providers paid to acquire the drugs.  In addition to instructions for setting a Medicaid reimbursement methodology based on AAC, the letter advises states on their obligation to set a professional dispensing fee that reflects the pharmacist’s professional services and costs. CMS does not dictate that states use a specific methodology or formula for establishing a professional dispensing fee, but warns that the fee must be sufficient to provide adequate reimbursement and ensure sufficient beneficiary access.

In the State Medicaid Director Letter, CMS also instructs states that their obligation to reimburse pharmacies at AAC carries consequences for the 340B Drug Discount Program. The AAC-based Medicaid reimbursement for drugs purchased through the 340B program should not exceed the 340B ceiling price – the price at which most covered entities will purchase the drug.  The requirement to reimburse at no more than the 340B ceiling price will apply regardless of whether the reimbursement is made to a 340B covered entity or its contract pharmacy.

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