STAT+: End of Medicare drug subsidy gives Democrats new attack line on rising out-of-pocket costs

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration will end subsidies for private Medicare drug plans, likely resulting in higher premiums for some older adults right before the midterm elections. Democrats were already campaigning on the approximately $1 trillion in health care cuts in Republicans’ tax bill from last summer. They immediately seized on the decision to end drug plan subsidies as another opportunity to attack Republicans on affordability. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) called the decision “Heartless, cruel, and completely by choice.” STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus daily market-moving biopharma analysis — by subscribing to STAT+. Already have an account? Log in View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe