A new report says the $56,000 Alzheimer’s drug approved this week would raise Medicare premiums broadly.
The FDA approved Biogen’s Aducanumab after its own independent recommended that it be rejected.WASHINGTON -- A new $56,000-a-year Alzheimer’s drug would raise Medicare premiums broadly, and some patients who are prescribed the medication could face copayments of about $11,500 annually, according to a research report published Wednesday.
The chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon, said the list price for the Alzheimer's drug was “unconscionable.” Although Presidenthas called for granting Medicare negotiating authority, prospects for the bill are uncertain. Medicare has not made a formal determination on covering Aduhelm, but cost traditionally does not enter into such considerations. Drugmaker Biogen has said it priced Aduhelm responsibly.
Beyond monthly premiums, there would also be impacts on out-of-pocket costs. Many patients taking the medication, including those signed up in Medicare Advantage plans from private insurers, could face thousands of dollars in copayments,. The maximum could reach about $11,500, researchers estimated. Biogen, which developed the Alzheimer's drug with Japan’s Eisai Co., said earlier this week that it expects a gradual uptake and not a sharp “hockey-stick” spike.
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