In a case settled in 2018, the Justice Department alleged that Pfizer was essentially making its drugs free for patients, incentivizing patients to choose Pfizer drugs at great cost to Medicare and Medicaid.
The lawsuit specifically seeks to allow Pfizer to reimburse members for heart failure drugs, which would otherwise cost $13,000 in Medicare copays a year, Fortune reported on July 28. The two drugs each cost $225,000 a year before coverage and are covered by Medicare and Medicaid, presenting huge profit opportunities for pharmacies.
Should the court rule in favor of Pfizer, federal lawyers said it would be a “gold rush” for pharmaceutical companies as they leverage the practice to capitalize on the Medicare market, according to Fortune.
The judge’s decision is expected to be released in the near future.
Becker’s 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit is the top tier event that the people leading the future of pharmacy convene. This 3-day event is built specifically for Chief Pharmacy Officers and senior pharmacy leaders. The sessions examine the workforce, financial and clinical priorities shaping pharmacy today. Becker’s is where candid discussions flourish and new ideas thrive. Becker's 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit
