BioCentury
ARTICLE | Politics & Policy

Medicare Part B premium spike could create pressure for international reference pricing

November 11, 2019 8:58 PM UTC
Updated on Nov 11, 2019 at 11:17 PM UTC

The Trump administration Monday attributed a jump in Medicare Part B premiums and deductibles to increasing spending on physician-administered drugs. The administration is likely to use the increases to justify its proposal for an international pricing index for Part B drugs, if and when it releases a proposed IPI rule.

Monthly premiums for most Part B beneficiaries will increase $9.10 in 2020 to $144.60, and the annual deductible for all beneficiaries will increase $13 to $198. Premiums are linked to income; the $144.60 premium applies to seniors and disabled Americans with incomes at or below $87,000 for individuals and $174,000 for married couples who file joint tax returns. ...