Medicare Part B: Medicare Represented At Least Half Of The Market For 22 Of The 84 Most Expensive Drugs In 2015 – Highlights

On December 13, 2017, the United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) released these highlights from its report on Medicare's share of the market for the most expensive Medicare Part B drugs. In 2015, Medicare spent about $26 billion on Part B drugs, which are typically administered under a doctor’s supervision. The GAO looked at the 84 most expensive Part B drugs and found that for about a quarter of them, Medicare represented 50% or more of their market. By law, the amount Medicare pays for a Part B drug is generally based on the drug’s market price . . .