The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge: Access, Affordability & the Pharmacist’s Role | TWIRx

TWIRx NEWS

1. Medicare Part D Paid Nearly $588 Million for Ineligible OTC Drugs

A federal audit found that Medicare Part D sponsors made approximately $587.7 million in ineligible payments from 2021 through 2023 for medications that had effectively transitioned from prescription to over-the-counter status.

The HHS Office of Inspector General cited outdated FDA information and the lack of a clear CMS rejection timeline as major contributors.

Why it matters: This exposes a serious coordination problem across FDA data, manufacturers, CMS, health plans and pharmacy claims systems.

Pharmacists may see the rejection or payment issue at the counter, but the failure often begins far upstream.

Read the Fierce Healthcare reportRead the HHS-OIG audit

2. FDA Responds to Estradiol Patch Supply Pressure

The FDA is working with six manufacturers to improve access to estradiol transdermal patches amid increased demand.

While FDA has not declared a national shortage, availability varies by product, strength and geographic area. Manufacturers are increasing production through larger batches, added shifts and expanded capacity.

Why it matters: Pharmacists are again serving as the front line of a supply-chain challenge—helping patients locate medication, coordinating with prescribers and identifying alternatives.

Read the Reuters reportRead the FDA update