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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.

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“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.

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