John Coster, PhD, RPh

John brings to his role at ADVI Health, as senior director, Federal Agency Engagement, and co-lead of the firm’s IRA Center of Excellence, extensive experience in federal healthcare policy, government relations, and drug pricing strategies. In this position, he drives the firm’s work around Medicare drug negotiation effectuation, including upcoming guidance and regulation, Medicare drug renegotiation, 340B reforms, and Medicaid pharmacy program issues.

Before joining ADVI, John spent more than 10 years at the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), first as the Director of the Division of Pharmacy, Center for Medicaid & CHIP Services, and then as Senior Technical Advisor in the Medicare Drug Rebate and Negotiation Group (MDRNG) in the Center for Medicare. While in Medicaid, he was responsible for overseeing the operation of the federal Medicaid prescription drug rebate program and oversight of the Medicaid pharmacy benefit, including policies relating to 340B, drug coverage, reimbursement to pharmacies, specialty drugs, and managed care organization drug coverage.  While in Medicare, he provided technical advice and counsel on the establishment of the Medicare drug rebate program and the Medicare drug negotiation program.

Prior to joining CMS, he was the Senior Director of Government Relations for 340B Health, where he oversaw congressional relations. Prior to 340B Health, he held senior-level government affairs positions with the National Community Pharmacists Association, Rite Aid Corporation, and the National Association of Chain Drug Stores. He also served as a professional staff member for the U.S. Senate’s Special Committee on Aging.

John earned an MPS and PhD in Health Policy from the University of Maryland, and a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from St. John’s University. He is a licensed pharmacist in New York, Maryland, and Virginia.