Medicare Told to Reassess Premium Hike for Alzheimer's Drug

[Northeast Agent]

Medicare Told to Reassess Premium Hike for Alzheimer's Drug

U.S. health secretary Xavier Becerra on Monday ordered Medicare to reassess a big premium increase facing millions of seniors this year, attributed in large part to a pricey new Alzheimer's drug with questionable benefits.

Becerra's directive came days after drugmaker Biogen slashed the price of its $56,000-a-year medication, Aduhelm, to $28,200 a year — a cut of about half.

 

[goillini52]

Medicare Told to Reassess Premium Hike for Alzheimer's Drug

U.S. health secretary Xavier Becerra on Monday ordered Medicare to reassess a big premium increase facing millions of seniors this year, attributed in large part to a pricey new Alzheimer's drug with questionable benefits.

Becerra's directive came days after drugmaker Biogen slashed the price of its $56,000-a-year medication, Aduhelm, to $28,200 a year — a cut of about half.

Big Pharma is so damned corrupt!!! Those crooked bastards deserve a date with a rope.

 

[billyb]

If Part B does not cover drugs then why is a premium increase due to the cost of a new medication? Part D is for drugs and I suspect very few if any companies would cover a drug that cost $26,000 annually. Maybe a Tier 5.

 

[sshafran]

If Part B does not cover drugs then why is a premium increase due to the cost of a new medication? Part D is for drugs and I suspect very few if any companies would cover a drug that cost $26,000 annually. Maybe a Tier 5.

Who said Part B doesn't cover drugs?

If you are actively selling Medicare-related health, then you need to learn about Part B drugs & Part D drugs, and how they differ.

How Does Aduhelm Work?
It's a drug that you get once a month through a needle in the vein (IV) as an infusion.

 

[Yagents]

If Part B does not cover drugs then why is a premium increase due to the cost of a new medication? Part D is for drugs and I suspect very few if any companies would cover a drug that cost $26,000 annually. Maybe a Tier 5.

Some medications that are administered in a facility or by a doctor, fall under part B. Like Prolia, flu shot, or chemotherapy. Injections that are not self administered.

Prescription Drug Coverage

 

[LeeV]

Am I missing something on this? Medicare makes an actuarial based decision to raise the monthly premium by $22, of which $11 is due to anticipated costs of Aduhelm. The manufacturer announces a price decrease of some 50%. Under political pressure from Dems ( this is not intended as a political discussion ) Medicare wants to decrease the increase premium increase due to the decrease in cost. But if you decrease the cost of something, sales will increase. Just me 2 cents.

 

[billyb]

I understand Part B does cover some drugs. Didn't realize this one was administered in a clinic. My wife has eosenophill asthma and her doctor gave her a shot of Culara. It worked wonders. She is 65 and still teaching so signed up for Part A and kept her employer coverage. UHC will not approve Nucala because it is pricey so we are working on her getting Part B. Then she will have Medicare and UHC so maybe both would cover the cost.

 

[Newby]

When you think of how much co-pays the people on an Advantage Plan would have to pay to get a monthly injection of that drug you know that most would not be able to afford it. But the people on Med Sups it would be 100% covered.

Another case of the poor man paying for the richy-riches!

Can we still blame Trump?

 

[LostDollar]

I understand Part B does cover some drugs. Didn't realize this one was administered in a clinic. My wife has eosenophill asthma and her doctor gave her a shot of Culara. It worked wonders. She is 65 and still teaching so signed up for Part A and kept her employer coverage. UHC will not approve Nucala because it is pricey so we are working on her getting Part B. Then she will have Medicare and UHC so maybe both would cover the cost.

As you know, I am not an agent, so I truly do not know about this, but the use of maybe in your statement above seems like it could be a big deal. If Medicare is secondary to UHC in this scenario, I think it would be wise to study out coordination of benefits rules for your situation before you take a buying action. I have seen so many comments here about Medicare paying small amounts as a secondary payer that I would want more assurance than maybe in your situation.