ASCO Offered Feedback on Medicare Drug Pricing
The Association for Clinical Oncology urged CMS to prioritize prospective pricing for 2028 drug negotiations.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Cancer
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The Association for Clinical Oncology has submitted formal feedback to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services regarding draft guidance for the 2028 Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program. The group voiced concerns over potential impacts on practice solvency due to the proposed retrospective reimbursement models.
Why it matters
The group argues that current proposals could force small oncology practices to rely on credit while awaiting reimbursement. These changes aim to protect practice stability and ensure that patients maintain consistent access to critical medical care.
The 2028 Initial Price Applicability Year marks the start of Maximum Fair Price eligibility for negotiated drugs under the Medicare program. Medicare Part B drugs are specifically included in these federal price negotiation requirements.
The players
Association for Clinical Oncology
This professional organization represents oncology providers and advocates for policies that support cancer care delivery.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
This federal agency manages the Medicare program and is responsible for implementing drug price negotiation requirements.
The details
The CMS draft guidance allows manufacturers to offer Maximum Fair Price (MFP) either at the time of purchase or through retrospective rebates, with these prices incorporated into quarterly Average Sales Price calculations. The Association for Clinical Oncology has requested an invoice-based reconciliation model to mitigate financial strain and advocated for an Average Sales Price that excludes MFP sales.
Timeline
January 1, 2028: Maximum Fair Price eligibility begins for eligible individuals.
The Big Picture
The Association for Clinical Oncology feedback follows established procedures under the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program to refine federal reimbursement structures. This submission reflects ongoing industry efforts to influence the regulatory implementation of the drug-price negotiation provisions.
These regulatory changes aim to ensure that small oncology practices remain solvent, which helps protect patient access to treatments. By advocating for prospective pricing, the organization seeks to prevent financial burdens that could disrupt consistent medical care for patients.
The takeaway
Healthcare providers remain focused on the financial mechanics of federal drug pricing to ensure practice viability. Maintaining stable reimbursement paths is considered essential for clinics to continue providing high-quality care to patients under new Medicare guidelines.
Further reading
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Live Poll
Should federal drug pricing policies include protections to ensure community medical practices remain financially viable?
