The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services yesterday projected that the average basic premium for a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan will decrease by $1.09 in 2019 to $32.50. The projection is based on bids submitted by drug and health plans for basic drug coverage for the 2018 benefit year. Although Part D premiums have declined slightly since 2017, federal payments for Part D catastrophic coverage more than tripled between 2010 and 2015. According to a recent analysis by Avalere, the number of Part D beneficiaries who reach the catastrophic coverage phase of the prescription drug benefit due to high out-of-pocket costs rose by more than 50% between 2013 and 2016.
 

Related News Articles

Headline
Boston Medical Center’s Jeff Schneider, M.D., associate chief medical officer, designated institutional official and chair of the Graduate Medical Education…
Perspective
In the next few days, Senate Republican leaders plan to unveil and vote on their updated reconciliation bill, which, as currently constructed, would have far-…
Headline
The Department of Health and Human Services June 23 announced an initiative coordinated with multiple health insurance companies to streamline prior…
Headline
The AHA this week is launching a new ad urging Congress to protect access to hospital care as it considers legislation that could have far-ranging negative…
Perspective
Public
As the Senate eyes a vote next week on its reconciliation bill, the next few days are crucial for reaching out to your senators and urging them to make changes…
Headline
A report released June 17 by NORC at the University of Chicago, commissioned by the Coalition to Strengthen America’s Healthcare, found that patients enrolled…