CMS Eases Scope of PA for Part D Beneficiaries on Hospice: Limits PA to 4 Drug Categories Identified by OIG as a Concern

On July 18, 2014 the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a memorandum, Part D Payment for Drugs for Beneficiaries Enrolled in Medicare Hospice, which updates the guidance previously released in March.  Under the new guidance, in lieu of placing a beneficiary-level prior authorization (PA) on all drugs for beneficiaries who have elected…