CVS Indicates Reversal of Decision to Block Oncology Clinics Dispensing Patients’ Drugs

• Amanda Bridges
• October 31, 2016
• News

The Community Oncology Alliance (COA) has recently learned that CVS Health is indicating it will not proceed with restricting cancer patients from receiving their medications from oncology practices that dispense medications.

Previously, CVS had notified patients that, beginning January 1, 2017, their oncologists’ pharmacies would be considered “out of network” and medications would only be available from pharmacies CVS deems in network, such as its own (learn more about this issue in the COA white paper).

According to a statement from CVS to COA’s attorneys, “Oncologists who dispense medications will remain in our Medicare Part D networks pending future dialogue with CMS. We are in the process of communicating this information to affected dispensers and beneficiaries.”

We are hopeful that this decision will be officially communicated to all patients who have been unnecessarily shocked and worried over this ill-conceived proposal and the poor way in which it was rolled out and communicated to cancer patients and others.

COA and its Community Oncology Pharmacy Association (COPA) will continue to monitor and provide more updates on this averted patient crisis. We also continue to fight for patients and their providers on outstanding issues with pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), such as restrictive formularies and DIR fees.

“We are relieved that CVS has reversed course in allowing cancer patients to continue receiving their oral medications from their oncologists,” said Ted Okon, executive director of COA. “This removes one less strain seniors covered by Medicare Part D plans face in dealing with cancer. It ensures better care coordination, closer treatment monitoring, and cost efficiency and convenience for patients.”