WASHINGTON, D.C. — Drug manufacturers now have an extra month to apply for a federal pilot program designed to lower prescription drug costs in Medicaid, while Medicare beneficiaries are gaining new login options intended to strengthen protection against identity theft and fraud.
What This Means for You
- Drug companies have until April 30 to apply to a federal pilot program that could lower Medicaid drug prices.
- Medicare beneficiaries will soon have more secure ways to access their Medicare.gov accounts.
- New login options are designed to reduce fraud and unauthorized access to personal health information.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced the changes in separate updates issued March 2 and March 3 affecting drug pricing policy and online account security for Medicare users.
Drug Pricing Pilot Application Deadline Extended
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services extended the application deadline for drug manufacturers to join the GENErating Cost Reductions for U.S. Medicaid Model, known as the GENEROUS Model.
The program allows participating state Medicaid programs to purchase certain medications at prices aligned with those paid in select foreign countries.
The application deadline for manufacturers was moved from March 31 to April 30, 2026.
“Based on feedback from drug manufacturers, CMS has decided to give interested companies additional time to apply for the GENEROUS Model,” said CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. “We are committed to partnering with states and manufacturers to drive down drug prices and ensure that the most vulnerable Americans have access to life-saving medications.”
The model, announced in November 2025, is intended to give states another tool to control rising drug costs while maintaining access to medications for Medicaid beneficiaries.
How the GENEROUS Model Works
Under the pilot program, participating state Medicaid programs would be able to purchase certain drugs at prices benchmarked against prices paid in other countries.
Supporters say the approach could help states reduce spending on prescription medications while expanding access to treatments.
“The GENEROUS Model aims to tackle the rising drug costs facing Americans,” said CMS Innovation Center Director Abe Sutton. “Extending this deadline will allow for small and midsize manufacturers to participate and lower costs to the Medicaid program, providing more flexibility for state budgets and ensure that people who depend on Medicaid continue to access the care they need.”
The agency plans to begin meetings with interested manufacturers starting April 1, 2026, and will host a manufacturer town hall later in the spring to discuss details of the program.
The final deadline for manufacturer participation in the model remains June 30, 2026.
More information about the program is available at https://www.cms.gov/
Medicare.gov Adds New Secure Login Options
CMS also announced new login options for Medicare.gov designed to strengthen account security and give beneficiaries more ways to verify their identity.
People creating or verifying a Medicare.gov account can now sign in using identity verification services including ID.me, CLEAR, and Login.gov.
These systems are already used by other federal agencies such as the Social Security Administration, Internal Revenue Service, and Department of Veterans Affairs.
CMS said the additional options are intended to reduce identity theft and fraud by verifying that users are who they claim to be and adding multiple layers of account protection.
How the New Login System Works
The updated system includes features such as encryption, multi-factor authentication, and security monitoring.
Identity verification services may require users to confirm their identity by uploading identification documents, completing a video or live verification session, or verifying their identity in person at participating locations.
Beneficiaries do not need to use a smartphone to access the system and may verify their identity using other methods, including in-person verification or assistance by phone.
Accepted identification documents include a state-issued photo ID, a U.S. passport, or other approved identification documents.
CMS said identity verification information will be stored separately by the verification service selected by the user, while medical information remains with CMS.
Assistance Available for Medicare Beneficiaries
Beneficiaries who need help with account access or identity verification can receive assistance through several channels, including live chat, phone support, video verification services, and in-person verification options.
Interpreter services are available in more than 200 languages through the 1-800-MEDICARE hotline.
CMS said the enhanced login options are free for Medicare beneficiaries and are intended to provide additional protection while still allowing users to continue accessing Medicare information online.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.