Aduhelm & Medicare: HHS Reconsideration Of Premium Hike May Ease Blowback On Coverage

US Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra's announcement that he has asked Medicare to reassess the Part B premium increases planned for 2022 is an unprecedented move that might mitigate some public outcry later this week when the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announces its draft national coverage determination for Biogen, Inc.’s Alzheimer’s drug Aduhelm.

The move, which follows a 50% price cut for Aduhelm, raises the possibility that all seniors could feel a bit less of a financial burden this year despite some Medicare coverage of the pricey treatment that has yet to demonstrate it can modify the course of Alzheimer’s disease. Lower premiums might also make a coverage decision by the government more palatable, easing pressure on both the administration and Biogen