Another Win for Patient Assistant Programs

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (OIG) posted a favorable Advisory Opinion (24-13) allowing a pharmaceutical manufacturer (Manufacturer) to provide transportation, lodging, meal vouchers, and other authorized expenses to eligible patients receiving Manufacturer’s one-time, potentially curative treatment product (Product).

OIG Opinion is a Win for Patients

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (OIG) posted a favorable Advisory Opinion (24-12) allowing a pharmaceutical manufacturer (Manufacturer) to sponsor a genetic testing, genetic counseling, and disease-state awareness education program for certain eligible patients with an “ultra-rare” genetic condition that causes kidney stones.

OIG Greenlights Free Vaccine Program

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (OIG), posted a favorable Advisory Opinion (24-11) allowing a pharmaceutical manufacturer (Manufacturer) to provide free meningococcal vaccinations to eligible patients, including Federal health care program enrollees who receive Manufacturer’s U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved products that treat rare disorders.

OIG Gives Discount Program Favorable Treatment

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office of Inspector General (OIG) posted a favorable Advisory Opinion (24-10) allowing the expansion of an existing loyalty program offered by a medical and dental supply distributor (Company) to its member customers (Customers), while cautioning that “discount” programs are typically high risk.