On Dec. 2, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a Request for Information (RFI) on Essential Health Benefits (EHB). The RFI sought input on a proposed switch to the U.S. Pharmacopeia Drug Classification (USP DC) standard for defining the EHB prescription drug category. AMCP's comments, submitted on Jan. 31, urge CMS to refrain from switching to any alternative prescription drug classification standard.

On Dec. 21, the Department of Health and Human Services released a proposed rule titled "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, HHS Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2024." On Jan. 30, AMCP submitted comments which oppose two issues from the proposed rule; continuing formulary tier limitations for standardized plan options and new limits on the number of non-standardized plan options that issues may offer through the federal Marketplace.

On Jan. 27, AMCP, along with 76 other healthcare organizations, signed on to a consensus statement on health equity. In the statement, signatories recognize health inequity as a complex issue and reaffirm their commitment to take action within their organizations to reduce health inequities for the broader population.

On Dec. 15, AMCP joined 29 other pharmacy organizations in a letter calling on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to build upon the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act with guidance clarifying that states should reimburse clinical services provided by pharmacists at the same rates as other non-physician providers.

Given the current complexities of the Medicaid, Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and Basic Health Program enrollment processes, AMCP submitted comments in response to a September 7 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Dated November 4, AMCP's comments support the NPRM's proposed goal to simplify the enrollment process for these vital health programs. The comments specifically address the cycle of enrollment and disenrollment that program beneficiaries face, often referred to as “eligibility churn."

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) unveiled a Request for Information (RFI) titled "Make Your Voice Heard" on September 6. The RFI sought public input on healthcare accessibility, understanding provider experiences, advancing health equity, and assessing the impact of waivers and flexibilities provided in response to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. On November 4, AMCP responded with a comment letter offering insights into challenges related to access to medication. The comments also offer recommendations for advancing health equity within CMS.

On August 4, the Department of Health and Human Services released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Nondiscrimination in Health Programs and Activities. In response, AMCP submitted comments on September 29 which applaud the Department's goal to reinstate regulatory protections from discrimination in covered health programs and activities.