Congress Eyes LIS Copay Policy As SGR Offset, But Safeguards Lower Savings

Congress Eyes LIS Copay Policy As SGR Offset, But Safeguards Lower Savings-insidehealthpolicy: Lawmakers in both parties are seriously considering an SGR offset that would let plans steer low-income subsidy beneficiaries toward generic drugs by raising copays for brands and eliminating copays for generics, pharmaceutical and patient lobbyists say, and the Congressional Budget Office is scoring different approaches. But safeguards considered by lawmakers to protect beneficiary access could significantly decrease the savings, lobbyists say -- CBO recently estimated the copay policy would save $29 billion over 10 years and is again reviewing the proposal now that lawmakers are considering safeguards.