• Center on Health Equity & Access
  • Clinical
  • Health Care Cost
  • Health Care Delivery
  • Insurance
  • Policy
  • Technology
  • Value-Based Care

Low Part D Premiums Can’t Last If Rebate Rule Finalized

Article

The administration's rebate rule will undermine negotiations that have secured savings for seniors.

Last night, CMS announced that the average basic premium for Medicare Part D prescription drug plans will be $30.50 in 2021—among the lowest since 2013. But the administration will likely see a sharp reversal if it finalizes its “rebate rule,” which will undermine the very negotiations that secure these savings for seniors.

For decades, health insurance providers have been an enthusiastic partner of the federal government—negotiating with drug makers for lower costs for seniors and taxpayers, increasing access to much-needed medications, and achieving high levels of satisfaction among the seniors they serve. They eagerly supported CMS’ Part D Senior Savings Model, which is helping to make insulin even more affordable for enrollees. And health insurance providers continue to ensure that seniors have access to their medications throughout the coronavirus disease 2019 crisis.

As Americans’ bargaining power, we will continue to negotiate hard to make drug coverage more affordable for Americans. But the rebate rule would take us in precisely the wrong direction.

Learn more.

Related Videos
Jonathan Eisengart
Robin Glasco, Spencer Stuart
Robin Glasco, MBA
Joshua K. Sabari, MD, NYU Langone Perlmutter Cancer Center
Kara Kelly, MD, chair of pediatrics, Roswell Park Oishei Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Program
Screenshot of an interview with Nadine Barrett, PhD
Neil Goldfarb, GPBCH
Dr Bonnie Qin
Dr Bonnie Qin
Screenshot of an interview with Ruben Mesa, MD
Related Content
© 2025 MJH Life Sciences
AJMC®
All rights reserved.