PCMA touts lower 2012 Medicare premiums

WASHINGTON — Medicare Part D prescription drug plan premiums will cost beneficiaries roughly $30 in 2012, according to data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

The Pharmaceutical Care Management Association, a trade group representing pharmacy benefit managers, heralded the figure, saying it confirmed the success of Medicare Part D plans in delivering savings.

"With the help of pharmacy benefit managers, Part D sponsors continue to exceed expectations in terms of savings, choice and satisfaction in Medicare," PCMA president and CEO Mark Merritt said. "Part D is a rarity among federal programs in that it actually comes in under budget each year."