
August 8, 2024
GOP On Attack On Questionable CMS Part D Demonstration The GOP is on the attack over the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) announcement of a demonstration project to stabilize 2025 Part D premiums. CMS hurriedly put together the demo after it saw huge increases in Part D premiums come in during the 2025 bid cycle. This was due to the Inflation Reduction Act’s (IRA) shifting of huge costs from the government to health plans and out-of-pocket cost reductions. CVS, the biggest standalone Part D plan, apparently recommended that CMS create the program, although one already exists in law covering just a piece of the benefit. The conservative Paragon Health Institute says the program could cost $10 billion over three years to limit premiums by bailing out insurers. The IRA approach on Part D was flawed and the public will be hurt by high premiums, but I continue to