CMTP engages in a range of activities related to the use of evidence in health and clinical policy decision making. These activities, from pilot projects to policy analyses, often focus on new and innovative solutions for incorporating comparative effectiveness research into policy and practice. For example, CMTP has developed a policy framework and model benefit language to help private health plans implement Coverage with Evidence Development (CED) policies, where coverage for promising, emerging technologies is provided on the condition of enrollment in a study that will generate the additional benefit and safety information medical directors need to make an informed coverage decision.
We have also been exploring ways in which we can create a more conducive environment for public and private health plans to support CED. Early in 2009, CMTP staff participated in a summit on CED where individuals with experience in implementing these studies from around the world shared their successes, failures and insights into ways to improve CED projects in the future. CMTP’s views about the US experience have been incorporated into a collection of papers published early in 2010.