Payers Facing Increased Scrutiny in Prescription Drug Pricing Debate

The debate surrounding high prescription drug prices has classically focused on the role of drug manufacturers. However, as frustration builds amongst the general public, increased attention is being paid to the role of payers in drug price hikes. The Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), which provides updates on yearly drug price increases, found that the price of half of all Medicare-covered medications increased faster than inflation in 2020.

According to Ana Mulero of Health Leaders, “KFF arrived at its findings by concluding that 23 of 25 Part D drugs and 16 of 25 top-spending Part B drugs had price increases that exceeded inflation in 2020. The Part D drugs include anticoagulant medications Eliquis (apixaban) and Xarelto (rivaroxaban), as well as multiple myeloma medication Revlimid (lenalidomide). The Part B drugs include two cancer medications, PD-1-blocking antibody Keytruda and Opdivo (nivolumab), as well as the osteoporosis medication Prolia (denosumab).”

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(Source: Health Leaders, March 30^th, 2022)