NCPA members should check their emails to see if they have received one from CMS regarding the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program (MDPNP), which officially starts Jan. 1, 2026. CMS is emailing the primary points of contact (or "authorized officials") in the National Council of Prescription Drug Programs dataQ Pharmacy Database ("NCPDP Pharmacy Database") to provide information about enrollment into the Medicare Transaction Facilitator (MTF), which is expected to begin in June 2025.
The purpose of the MTF is to connect pharmacies and manufacturers so pharmacies can receive refund payments for eligible claims for selected drugs under the MDPNP. Please see the MTF Factsheet for more information.
CMS wants pharmacies to check that their information in the NCPDP database is correct before beginning the MTF enrollment process. It may take at least two weeks from the date of any update before the MTF can use your data to support enrollment.
The agency plans to use the NCPDP Pharmacy Database to identify and validate initial dispensing entity users, or "first users," for access to the MTF. In addition, the first user will be responsible for inviting downstream users from their organization to register for access.
CMS reminds pharmacies that for those that work with a third-party support entity ("TPSE," such as a PSAO), their TPSE will also get an email from CMS about setting up an account. The pharmacies must also individually complete the Dispensing Entity Enrollment Questionnaire and list their TPSEs in that questionnaire.
If you would like to receive emails from CMS about the MTF generally, including new resources or educational opportunities, please sign up by clicking this link, entering your email address, and selecting "Medicare Transaction Facilitator" under the Center for Medicare.
Frequently asked questions and other resources for dispensing entities about the MTF and the MTF enrollment process are available on CMS' Resources for Pharmacies and Dispensing Entities webpage. If you have any questions about the MTF or enrollment, please contact MFPMedicareTransactionFacilitator@cms.hhs.gov. If you have questions about how to update your NCPDP data in Access Online, the system NCPDP uses to help pharmacies maintain their data, contact pharmacyhelp@ncpdp.org.
Additionally, NCPA members should be aware that CMS has published the final MTF Agreements, located here. Please note that you will have to sign the dispenser agreement to enroll in the MTF (see here for the agreement); it includes onerous terms that you should be aware of and review with your own attorney.
NCPA will continue to keep our members up to date on all aspects and related timelines associated with this new program. Our goal is to keep you informed so you can make the best decisions on behalf of your business and your patients.
