Avalere analysis finds drug costs vary between Medicare Part B and Part D

An analysis conducted by Avalere Health LLC found that patients' out-of-pocket costs for cancer treatments were generally higher when covered under Medicare Part D than under Part B. The analysis follows HHS Secretary Alex Azar's proposal earlier this month that some or all drugs covered under Part B be shifted into the system of purchasing drugs under Part D.

The Trump administration's drug pricing plan aims to reshape Medicare drug coverage, especially Part B drug reimbursement. Azar is convinced that the way Medicare Part B spends money for drugs makes no sense, costs the taxpayers too much and isn’t good for patients (see BioCentury, May 18)...