CMS will implement new opioid policies for Medicare drug plans on January 1. The new policies include:

• Improved safety alerts when patients fill opioid prescriptions at the pharmacy

• Drug management programs for patients at-risk for misuse or abuse of opioids or other drugs

CMS posted new training materials, including slide decks and tip sheets for:

• Prescribers

• Pharmacists

• Patients

CMS also recently released an MLN Matters® Article: A Prescriber’s Guide to the New Medicare Part D Opioid Overutilization Policies for 2019. Visit the Reducing Opioid Misuse webpage for more information on CMS’ overall strategy.