Medicare Part B premiums might drop for retirees.

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Millions of Americans are awaiting the 2023 Social Security COLA. Even the most optimistic predictions of the rise probably won't cover seniors' rising expenditures. [{ "selector": ".ftfcm-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "1500ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": "1"} ] }]

Social Security's COLA calculation excludes Medicare Part B premiums. 2022 premiums rose 14.5%. Lower Medicare Part B rates are possible for retirees. [{ "selector": ".gosgq-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "1500ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": "1"} ] }]

To respond, we must understand why Medicare Part B rates soared in 2022. CMS cited numerous reasons for the significant November 2021 hike [{ "selector": ".lawpi-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "1000ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": "1"} ] }]

Aduhelm was FDA-approved in June 2021. The drug's original price was $56,000. Alzheimer's affects 6.5 million 65-plus Americans. Aduhelm would have cost CMS a fortune.

Aduhelm's waggon derailed. In April 2022, CMS limited medication coverage to Medicare enrollees in clinical trials. Less than a month later, Biogen cut Aduhelm sales, almost trashing it in the U.S.

This sets the scenario for HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra's decision. Becerra said Medicare Part B rates would be "adjusted lower" since Aduhelm cost forecasts no longer apply.