government
Medicare Part D premiums to remain stable in 2013
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Aug. 20, 2012
Premiums for the prescription drug benefit under the Medicare program will remain almost flat next year, the Dept. of Health and Human Services announced on Aug. 13.
The monthly patient contribution for basic drug coverage will average $30, which is just slightly higher than the actual average price of $29.67 in 2012. The average 2013 premium is based on bids submitted by insurers.
In 2013, Medicare patients will receive 52.5% off brand name drugs and 21% off generics once they hit the Part D coverage gap known as the “doughnut hole.” More than 1 million beneficiaries have received $687 million in discounts for prescription medicines after reaching the gap during the first six months of 2012, HHS reports.
Medicare beneficiaries will be able to enroll in new Part D plans between Oct. 15 and Dec. 7.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/08/20/gvbf0820.htm.
