How Much Has Medicare Spent on the EpiPen Since 2007?
Issue Brief
Dollars in nominal terms using the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ CPI inflation calculator, based on 2016 inflation-adjusted prices from Elsevier Gold Standard Drug Database; see Ike Swetlitz, “High price of EpiPen spurs consumers, EMTs to resort to syringes for allergic reactions,” STAT, July 6, 2016.
These estimates include rebates for both generics and brands; see Boards of Trustees, 2016 Annual Report of the Boards of Trustees of the Federal Hospital Insurance and Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Funds, Table IV.B8.
Social Security Act sections 1860D-2(d)(2) and 1927(b)(3)(D).
Part D Low-Income Subsidies provide additional financial assistance for enrollees with low incomes and modest assets, by paying some or all of plan premiums and reducing prescription drug cost-sharing amounts.