Release of Formulary Reference NDC File for CY 2007 Formulary Submissions

This notice is to announce the release of the new Formulary Reference NDC File which will be used by organizations to create formulary flat (ASCII) files for CY 2007. The Formulary Reference NDC File contains a list of drugs that may be included on Part D formularies. Each row in the list represents a single drug characterized by a proxy NDC code, brand name, generic name, dosage form and strength.

Organizations will choose drugs from the Formulary Reference NDC File to build the formulary files submitted for both the HPMS formulary review and for display on the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Finder (MPDPF). These reference NDCs will also be utilized in developing the pricing files to reflect drug costs at your retail network pharmacies. The proxy NDCs provided in the Formulary Reference NDC File will be used to represent each drug that will appear on a formulary file and will be the only NDC that will be validated upon HPMS formulary upload.

CMS is interested in obtaining feedback on how to best reflect mail order pricing, while leveraging this same formulary reference file. Any comments or suggestions regarding this topic should be sent to Tom Dudley at thomas.dudley@cms.hhs.gov .

Organizations may submit requests regarding Part D drugs that they wish to include on their formulary file for CY 2007, but that do not appear on the Formulary Reference NDC File. Requests should be submitted via email to PartDformularies@cms.hhs.gov with the subject heading "Formulary Reference NDC File". The body of the email should include the brand name, generic name, dosage form and strength of the requested drug(s).

The attachments accompanying this notice include the Formulary Reference NDC File as well as a frequently asked questions document with further detail regarding its purpose and use. As they are updated, these attachments will be available for download within the Formulary Module in HPMS and on the following page: (http://new.cms.hhs.gov/PrescriptionDrugCovContra/03_RxContracting_FormularyGuidance.asp).

Any questions regarding the Formulary Reference NDC File should be directed to Aaron Eaton (aaron.eaton@cms.hhs.gov) at 410-786-2058 or Kady Flannery (kathleen.flannery@cms.hhs.gov ) at 410-786-6722.

Thank you.