What You Should Know:– The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) launches its Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT) Access Model, a new approach to delivering cutting-edge treatments for people on Medicaid living with sickle cell disease. Outcomes-Based Agreements for Innovative TherapiesLed by the CMS Innovation Center, the CGT Access Model marks the first time the federal government has negotiated outcomes-based agreements with CGT manufacturers on behalf of state Medicaid agencies. Under this innovative model, participating states will receive guaranteed discounts and rebates from participating CGT manufacturers if the therapies fail to deliver their promised therapeutic benefits. Key Features and Participating StatesThe CGT Access Model includes several key features designed to facilitate its success:CMS-negotiated outcomes-based contracts with manufacturers, developed with input from state Medicaid agencies, patients, and providers. Flexible start dates for participating states, ranging between January 2025 and January 2026.for participating states, ranging between January 2025 and January 2026.