In the past, people on Medicare due to kidney failure, or end stage renal disease (ESRD) were eligible for 36 months of Medicare coverage after a successful kidney transplant. This coverage was crucial in large part for the payment of the hugely expensive immunosuppressive drugs necessary to prevent rejection of the transplanted kidney and keep it functioning well. Yet, unless … [Read more...] about Medicare Expands Part B Immunosuppressive Drug Benefit for People with Kidney Transplants
Understanding New Rules Regarding Insulin Costs & Rights to Switch Plans
One of the many good provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) is the cap on out-of-pocket costs for all insulin drugs. The IRA limits out-of-pocket costs to no more than $35 per 30-day insulin prescription under all Medicare drug prescription plans. Plans also cannot charge a deductible for insulin. This means that a 60-day supply would be no more than $70, … [Read more...] about Understanding New Rules Regarding Insulin Costs & Rights to Switch Plans
Learn How the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 Will Significantly Reduce Drug Costs
Last month Congress passed the historic Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Some of the many significant pieces of this legislation are a plethora of Medicare prescription drug reforms and protections to shield people from high drug costs. This is great news, and the changes coming will help lower prescription drug costs for all people on Medicare, and especially older adults with … [Read more...] about Learn How the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 Will Significantly Reduce Drug Costs
Draft Bill Provides Needed Prescription Drug Pricing Reform
In early July, the Senate Finance Committee drafted legislation to help address the burdensome, high prescription drug prices affecting Medicare beneficiaries, and aims to have it passed through the upcoming reconciliation process. This legislation would allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices, cap beneficiary out-of-pocket costs to $2,000 annually starting in 2025, and … [Read more...] about Draft Bill Provides Needed Prescription Drug Pricing Reform
CMS’ Finalized Rules Will Lower Drug Costs & Increase Consumer Protections
In late April, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued finalized rules to both strengthen consumer protections in Medicare Advantage and Part D drug plans, and reduce out-of-pocket drug costs for beneficiaries. As summarized in CMS' recent fact sheet, this final rule revises the MA and Part D regulations related to marketing and communications; the … [Read more...] about CMS’ Finalized Rules Will Lower Drug Costs & Increase Consumer Protections
