On December 5, 2023, the Innovation and Value Initiative (IVI), the Alliance for Aging Research, National Pharmaceutical Council, and Leavitt Partners, LLC, hosted a half-day symposium to examine issues related to equity and patient engagement in implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
This discussion underscored that, while the work needed to advance equity and inclusion is complex and challenging, it is also critical that CMS demonstrate leadership in this area. The discussion highlighted several key elements:
- The need for a robust patient and caregiver engagement program, akin to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s patient affairs program;
- Open and explicit communication with patients and other stakeholders at all points in the process; and
- A continuous equity-focused measurement, evaluation, and improvement strategy.
We appreciate CMS’s ongoing interest in addressing these issues, and we look forward to continuing to support efforts now and in the future.
