Medicare Part D
Should CMS monitor biosimilar coverage on formularies?
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (OIG) released a study that found many Medicare Part D formularies included Humira Biosimilars for 2025. Humira is one of the best-selling prescription drugs in the world. However,…
PBMs and pharmacy closures
Those independent pharmacies, excluded from Medicare Part D networks, were more likely to close. A new research study conducted by USC demonstrated that pharmacy networks designed by pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) are contributing to the growing problem of pharmacy closures.…
Medicare Part D Spending for 10 Selected Diabetes Drugs
There has been a substantial increase in the use of certain diabetes drugs in recent years. Certain diabetes drugs initially approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help control blood sugar levels for individuals with type 2 diabetes…
What are the Medicare Part D changes in 2025?
On July 30, 1965, when President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the bill that led to the creation of the Medicare and Medicaid program, the programs changed. One of the biggest changes to the Medicare program was to include an optional…
2025 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has released the 2025 premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance amounts for Medicare Part A and Part B. CMS also released the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts (IRMAA) for Parts B and D. The standard…
Payment plan for drugs in 2025
One of the many changes the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) changed is how Medicare recipients can pay for prescription drugs. Medicare beneficiaries may choose to participate in a program that will spread the costs across several months instead of being…
Ask Rusty – Shocked Because Medicare Increase Results in Loss of Social Security Benefits
Dear Rusty: My wife and I have taken a Social Security “Cut” — no 3.2% raise for us, due to something called “IRMAA,” based on our income. We actually took, together, a $400 a month cut. As far as I…
Curious about Medicare Advantage?
Are you turning 65 this year and confused about Medicare and Medicare Advantage; you are not alone. It is good to educate yourself on Medicare, usually referred to as original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Both have their pros and cons…
Here are the Medicare basics
More than 10,000 people turn 65 every day in the United States. Knowing your options for health care are more important than ever before. Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older. Understanding Medicare…
Ask Rusty – For Some Simple Guidance About Medicare
Dear Rusty: I’m nearing 68 years old, have never signed up for Medicare but thinking that I should look into it. I’m currently covered by my wife’s health insurance through her employer. I would greatly appreciate some simple guidance regarding…