A key Medicare drug subsidy is being scrapped, which is bad news for the 77,000 Hawaii seniors on Part D who will pay more for their prescriptions.

• The Trump administration is ending a subsidy program that helps hold down Medicare Part D drug costs.
• Half of enrollees are expected to see premiums rise about $10, while some seniors could pay up to $300 more out of pocket.
• Without the subsidy, insurers have to price plans based on what drugs actually cost them.
• The $35 cap for diabetes patients stays, and people on Medicare Advantage are not affected.
• Seniors are being urged to compare plans when new premiums come out later this year, including options like paying a doctor a flat monthly fee directly.

Outlook: New premium numbers land later this year, and Hawaii seniors will need to shop plans carefully or absorb the higher cost.