Medicare predicts smaller increases in annual Part D drug spending

While the Medicare Board of Trustees reported that Part D drug spending in 2018 came in slightly higher than predicted, it lowered its projected growth rates for the next five years due to slower price growth and higher manufacturer rebates.

In its annual report published Monday, the board said 2018 Part D drug expenditures were $95.2 billion, higher than the $94.5 billion projection in its report last year. Part D spending was down from $100 billion in 2017 (see "Medicare Board Predicts a Slowdown in Part B Spending Increases")...