• Maryland: CMS last week issued a final rule requiring MA insurers to submit their provider directories starting next year. According to Modern Healthcare, the rule builds on CMS' plan to assemble provider lists that will be added to the Medicare Plan Finder portal for the upcoming annual enrollment period. Under the rule, MA plans are required to submit their provider lists by Jan. 1 and then once a year after that. They are also required to update their lists every 30 days to show changes in provider participation. "CMS is finalizing a new requirement that will increase beneficiaries' access to provider data while comparing plans in the CMS Medicare Plan Finder tool, which will contribute to the beneficiaries’ ability to make more informed decisions about their healthcare," the rule said. (Early, Modern Healthcare, 9/18)
• Minnesota: Optum Rx* has raised brand-name drug reimbursement minimums for 2,300 independent pharmacies. By 2028, over 24,000 independent in-network retail pharmacies that are not part of chains or pharmacy services administration organizations will see higher rates, the company said. Previously, the company extended a similar policy to Epic Pharmacy Network, a pharmacy services administration organization that includes over 1,000 independent drugstores. "As brand drug utilization continues to grow alongside manufacturer-set prices, this positive change will help ensure that prescriptions filled by independent pharmacies are reimbursed at a positive margin," Optum Rx said in a news release. (Tong, Modern Healthcare, 9/17)
• Virginia: Eli Lilly recently announced plans to build a $5 billion drug manufacturing facility outside of Richmond, Virginia. According to Lilly, the facility will take five years to build and create almost 2,500 jobs, including 1,800 construction positions and 650 highly skilled roles like engineers and scientists. "Lilly is one of the world's great innovators, and I want to thank them for this significant commitment to Virginia," said Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R). He added that the project is "strengthening our economy, securing America's critical pharmaceutical supply chain, and positioning Virginia to lead in the industries that will drive innovation for generations to come." Separately, Lilly CEO Dave Ricks said that the company's investment in Virginia is "about creating opportunities here at home in the United States, strengthening our country's ability to make our own medicines." According to the Washington Post, the new drug manufacturing facility in Virginia is one of four Lilly plans to build as part of a $50 billion investment in domestic manufacturing. The locations of the other three facilities have not yet been announced. (Gilbert, et al., Washington Post, 9/16)

*Advisory Board is a subsidiary of Optum. All Advisory Board research, expert perspectives, and recommendations remain independent.  

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