Washington, D.C. — Today, Senate Finance Committee Chair Ron Wyden (D-OR) called on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to limit Medicare premium increases for millions of seniors caused by one greedy pharmaceutical company. CMS previously announced that it would raise Medicare Part B premiums in response to the unprecedented price tag of Biogen’s new Alzheimer’s drug, Aduhelm. The approval of Aduhelm has forced Medicare to establish a contingency reserve in the event Medicare decides to cover the medication. In response, Protect Our Care Chair Leslie Dach issued the following statement:
“For far too long, Big Pharma’s greed has gone unchecked, and Americans from all walks of life have struggled to afford the drugs they need. Senator Wyden is right: seniors should not have to front the costs of an outrageously expensive, unproven drug. Big drug company executives should not be cashing in at the expense of millions of seniors struggling to afford their everyday health costs. Aduhelm’s high price tag only underscores the urgent need to pass the Build Back Better Act, which will lower costs, and ensure seniors are able to access the prescription drugs they need to live full and healthy lives.”