Inflation Reduction Act and Medicare
The Inflation Reduction Act provides meaningful financial relief for millions of people with Medicare by improving access to affordable treatments and strengthening the Medicare Program both now and in the long-run.
The new drug law makes improvements to Medicare that will expand benefits, lower drug costs, keep prescription drug premiums stable, and improve the strength of the Medicare program.
Part D Improvements
People with Medicare will benefit from lower prescription drug costs and a redesigned prescription drug program. Benefits include:
- Insulin available at $35/month per covered prescription
- Access to recommended adult vaccines without cost-sharing
- A yearly cap ($2,000 in 2025) on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs in Medicare
- Expansion of the low-income subsidy program (LIS or “Extra Help”) under Medicare Part D to 150% of the federal poverty level starting in 2024
Medicare Drug Price Negotiation
Medicare will be able to negotiate directly with drug manufacturers to lower the price of some of the costliest single-source brand-name Medicare Part B and Part D drugs. This means that people with Medicare will have increased access to innovative, life-saving treatments, and the costs will be lower for both them and Medicare.
Inflation Rebates in Medicare
The new law requires drug companies that raise their drug prices faster than the rate of inflation to pay Medicare a rebate. This will lead to a stronger Medicare for current and future enrollees and discourage unreasonable price increases by drug companies.
Changes to Medicare Part B
Changes in the Medicare Part B program will improve access to high quality, affordable biosimilars for people with Medicare as well as impose a $35/month cost-sharing cap on insulin used in durable medical equipment pumps.
The Inflation Reduction Act makes Medicare stronger for current and future enrollees. It makes health care more accessible, equitable, and affordable by lowering what Medicare spends for prescription drugs and limiting increases in prices.