
WASHINGTON — On the surface, pharma’s latest ad and messaging campaign warns of a looming “cliff” for Medicare beneficiaries, suggesting that, unless Congress takes action, seniors’ out-of-pocket costs will soar.
But, in a subtle mixing of messages, the ads also call for Congress to reduce the amount drug makers pay to cover drug costs for seniors in Medicare’s so-called donut hole.
“As a Medicare Part D Cliff looms for seniors, the program’s successful structure is also in jeopardy. Congress can act now to protect seniors from the donut hole suddenly increasing by more than $1,200, and secure the program for the future by fixing changes that undermine its successful competitive structure,” reads one of the ads from the industry trade association PhRMA.