Medicare Prescription Drug Spending Jumps 17 Percent In 2014

The data, looking at prescriptions purchased under the Medicare Part D program, shows that medications for heart problems were among the most prescribed. Sovaldi, a drug to treat hepatitis C, was the highest cost drug at more than $3.1 billion spent by the program. Following that were Nexium, for reflux disease, and Crestor, to treat high cholesterol.

Modern Healthcare: Medicare Part D Spending Rose 17% In 2014 Because Of High-Cost Drugs

Medicare spending on prescriptions increased more than 17% in 2014, despite a claims increase of only about 3%, according to data released Thursday. The second annual set of data shows prescription drugs paid for under the Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Program, which has 38 million beneficiaries. (Muchmore, 8/18)

Politico Pro: Medicare Part D Data Shows Rise In Costs Per Prescription For Many Drugs

Hundreds of drugs administered in Medicare Part D increased their cost per prescription by 10 percent or more in 2014, with more than 20 drugs jumping by 100 percent or more, according to a POLITICO analysis of data released Thursday by CMS. The drugs which saw big spikes in prescription costs ranged from newer brand medications to old generic drugs. The brand drug Vimovo, which combines an acid reflux medication with a pain reliever, topped the list rising by nearly 543 percent per claim in 2014. The generic steroid fluorometholone, used for eye conditions, was second, rising by nearly 341 percent per claim. (Karlin-Smith, Norman and Doherty 8/18)

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