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

Biogen’s Alzheimer’s drug may not cause as much of a financial headache to American seniors as expected, which could dampen criticism of Medicare’s upcoming coverage determination. But questions remain about what exactly HHS will be able to do about Part B premiums.

cash in back pocket of jeans
Thanks to Biogen price cut, Biden administration hopes to put cash back in seniors pockets. • Source: Alamy

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...

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