BIO Statement on Medicare Part D Data Release

Washington, DC, Friday, May 1, 2015 – Today, the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) released the following statement on the Medicare Part D Data Release. This statement can be attributed to Jim Greenwood, BIO President and CEO.

“BIO supports transparency in sharing data in the life sciences industry so that patients and physicians can make treatment decisions based on accurate, timely, and easily accessible information.

“However, the recent release of Medicare Part D Data is particularly disappointing as we feel that the data lack the necessary context for these disclosures – and how they should be read and interpreted. One of the limitations of these data is they do not include the sometimes substantial rebates provided by manufacturers in the Part D program. Moreover, these data are missing critical context as to how Part D medicines may result in better outcomes and lower costs to the Medicare program, including through fewer hospitalizations, surgical interventions and physician office visits.

“We are concerned that some third parties will attempt to misuse the data, potentially threatening needed innovation in our nation’s healthcare system. 

“We continue to urge CMS and others to ensure that any time data of this nature are published, that appropriate context is provided in order to avoid misleading conclusions based on such data.”

For more information on BIO and the biotechnology industry organization, please visit www.bio.org.