Pharmacy Question for the Week of December 11, 2017

Question:

Is the 2018 ASP file available yet?

Answer:

Yes, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have posted the files that contain the payment amounts that will be used to pay for Part B covered drugs for the first quarter of 2018. Where applicable, the payment amounts in the quarterly ASP files are 106 percent of the average sales price (ASP) calculated from data submitted by drug manufacturers. The quarter-to-quarter price changes are generally the result of updated data from the manufacturers of these drugs. The Medicare Part B payment limits for valid HCPCS codes that are not included in the quarterly ASP pricing files will be determined by the local Medicare contractor. For these files, go to https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Medicare-Fee-for-Service-Part-B-Drugs/McrPartBDrugAvgSalesPrice/2018ASPFiles.html.