AHIP Warns of Part D Rebate Rule Impact
The average basic premium for Medicare Part D prescription plans will be the second lowest average Part D premium since 2013, CMS announced. But industry leaders are not expressing as much optimism about the lower premiums as CMS.
AHIP acknowledged the current Part D average basic premium is one of the lowest since 2013, but the payer organization pointed out the effects the rebate rule could have in continuing savings on out-of-pocket health care costs.
The week before the Administration announced the average basic premium for 2021, the Trump administration signed three executive orders that placed restrictions on pharmacy benefit managers and sought to heighten drug importations. Through these measures, the executive orders aimed to lower drug prices.
AHIP, using CMS statistics, argued the executive orders would instead cause Medicare premiums to rise by 25%, up drug spending in Medicare programs by over $195 billion, and contribute $100 billion toward bailing out drug makers.
AHIP argues, "the Problem Is Still the Price. But nothing in the proposed rule would require Big Pharma to lower their prices."
"We’re winning great savings for seniors. But with the rebate rule, seniors will lose. Let’s focus on real, bipartisan solutions to out-of-control drug costs. In the midst of the COVID-19 crisis – seniors deserve those savings more than ever."
