Tell Congress to Strengthen Medicare
July 15, 2021
Congress is currently considering strategies to improve health coverage and affordability. Weigh in today to make sure that Medicare is part
Take Action: Tell your senators to reject harmful cuts to health care!
Prescription Drugs
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) takes important steps to reduce drug prices and lower costs for people with Medicare and the program, such as capping beneficiary out-of-pocket spending; requiring Medicare to negotiate drug prices; and expanding eligibility for the full Part D low-income subsidy (LIS). We support an implementation process that centers the beneficiary experience and look forward to building upon these landmark policies.
Drugs With Direct-to-Consumer Advertising Make up More Than Half of the Total Amount Spent on Prescriptions by Medicare and People with Medicare
June 24, 2021
A recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report found that of the $560 billion that Medicare and people with Medicare spent on prescription
Medicare Rights Endorses Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act
May 6, 2021
On May 4, the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on drug pricing legislation, including
Statement for the Record “Negotiating a Better Deal: Legislation to Lower the Cost of Prescription Drugs”
May 4, 2021
Immediate action is needed to transform the nation’s drug pricing system in ways that will lower prices, strengthen Medicare, and promote the well-being of those who rely on its coverage. H.R. 3 would significantly advance these goals, in part by authorizing Medicare to negotiate prices for certain drugs; imposing inflationary rebates; and restructuring Part D to cap beneficiary out-of-pocket costs at $2,000 per year, reduce the federal government’s liability, and better align pricing incentives.
Improving Medicare Assistance Programs: Easing Access to LIS
February 1, 2021
For those who qualify, the Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) program (also called “Extra Help”) can be a lifeline, helping them pay for Medicare coverage they would not otherwise be able to afford. But accessing this program presents challenges of its own. The application process is complex and fragmented, and the eligibility requirements are woefully outdated. As a result, many who need this assistance aren’t able to get it.
Reduce Barriers to Care
January 20, 2021
The Biden administration must reduce barriers to care by making coverage more available, accessible, and affordable. On our Helpline, we frequently hear from older adults and people with disabilities who live on modest or limited incomes and are struggling to access and afford their care. These financial challenges—which have in many cases been worsened by the coronavirus pandemic—along with rising health care and prescription drug costs, antiquated coverage rules, and burdensome program requirements can make it difficult for older adults and people with disabilities to obtain the care they need. The following reforms would help reduce these barriers to care by making Medicare stronger, easier to navigate, and more affordable.
Summary of Policy Recommendations for the Biden Administration
December 17, 2020
The Medicare Rights Center (Medicare Rights) looks forward to working with the Biden administration to advance policies that protect and strengthen Medicare as well as the health and economic well-being of those who rely on its coverage. To facilitate this dialogue, we compiled a set of administrative actions for their consideration. We will also outline our legislative priorities for the 117th Congress.
Improving Medicare Assistance Programs: Making LIS More Effective
March 13, 2020
Medicare’s Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) program (also called “Extra Help”) can be a lifeline, helping low- and moderate-income beneficiaries pay for
Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act (H.R. 3) Letter of Support
December 11, 2019
On behalf of the Medicare Rights Center (Medicare Rights), thank you for your work to improve coverage and lower costs
Letter of Support for the Lower Drug Costs Now Act of 2019
October 16, 2019
On behalf of the Medicare Rights Center (Medicare Rights), thank you for your ongoing work to address the problem of
Tell Congress to Strengthen Medicare
July 15, 2021
Congress is currently considering strategies to improve health coverage and affordability. Weigh in today to make sure that Medicare is part
Drugs With Direct-to-Consumer Advertising Make up More Than Half of the Total Amount Spent on Prescriptions by Medicare and People with Medicare
June 24, 2021
A recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report found that of the $560 billion that Medicare and people with Medicare spent on prescription
Medicare Rights Endorses Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act
May 6, 2021
On May 4, the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on drug pricing legislation, including
Statement for the Record “Negotiating a Better Deal: Legislation to Lower the Cost of Prescription Drugs”
May 4, 2021
Immediate action is needed to transform the nation’s drug pricing system in ways that will lower prices, strengthen Medicare, and promote the well-being of those who rely on its coverage. H.R. 3 would significantly advance these goals, in part by authorizing Medicare to negotiate prices for certain drugs; imposing inflationary rebates; and restructuring Part D to cap beneficiary out-of-pocket costs at $2,000 per year, reduce the federal government’s liability, and better align pricing incentives.
Improving Medicare Assistance Programs: Easing Access to LIS
February 1, 2021
For those who qualify, the Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) program (also called “Extra Help”) can be a lifeline, helping them pay for Medicare coverage they would not otherwise be able to afford. But accessing this program presents challenges of its own. The application process is complex and fragmented, and the eligibility requirements are woefully outdated. As a result, many who need this assistance aren’t able to get it.
Reduce Barriers to Care
January 20, 2021
The Biden administration must reduce barriers to care by making coverage more available, accessible, and affordable. On our Helpline, we frequently hear from older adults and people with disabilities who live on modest or limited incomes and are struggling to access and afford their care. These financial challenges—which have in many cases been worsened by the coronavirus pandemic—along with rising health care and prescription drug costs, antiquated coverage rules, and burdensome program requirements can make it difficult for older adults and people with disabilities to obtain the care they need. The following reforms would help reduce these barriers to care by making Medicare stronger, easier to navigate, and more affordable.
Summary of Policy Recommendations for the Biden Administration
December 17, 2020
The Medicare Rights Center (Medicare Rights) looks forward to working with the Biden administration to advance policies that protect and strengthen Medicare as well as the health and economic well-being of those who rely on its coverage. To facilitate this dialogue, we compiled a set of administrative actions for their consideration. We will also outline our legislative priorities for the 117th Congress.
Improving Medicare Assistance Programs: Making LIS More Effective
March 13, 2020
Medicare’s Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) program (also called “Extra Help”) can be a lifeline, helping low- and moderate-income beneficiaries pay for
Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act (H.R. 3) Letter of Support
December 11, 2019
On behalf of the Medicare Rights Center (Medicare Rights), thank you for your work to improve coverage and lower costs
Letter of Support for the Lower Drug Costs Now Act of 2019
October 16, 2019
On behalf of the Medicare Rights Center (Medicare Rights), thank you for your ongoing work to address the problem of