Scrutinizing the Frustrating Cost of Drugs:How Rebates and Step Therapy Inflate Medicare Part D Prices ‐‐ and Possible Reforms

AbstractIn this issue ofArthritis and Rheumatology, McCormick and colleagues report how biologic disease ‐modifying anti‐rheumatic drug (bDMARD) prices increased in Medicare and Medicaid from 2012‐2016.(1) These novel data are gleaned from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ drug pricing dashboard, which began publicizing year‐over‐year price changes on May 15, 2018.(2) That week , health policy advocates like myself1 perused the dashboard and saw an alarming trend. bDMARD prices appeared to be rising faster in Medicare Part D (the distribution system for drugs that patients self ‐administer) than in Part B (drugs given in the office or infusion center).

Source: Arthritis and Rheumatology - October 13, 2019 Category: Rheumatology Authors: Angus B. Worthing Tags: EDITORIAL Source Type: research