Pappas, Tonko Introduce Legislation to Expand Seniors’ Access to Life-Saving Medication
Today Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) and Congressman Paul Tonko (NY-20) introduced the Advancing Enrollment and Reducing Drug Costs Act. This legislation would expand low-income seniors' access to prescription drugs under the Medicare prescription drug benefit program, also known as Medicare Part D.
Medicare Part D helps low-income seniors afford their prescription drugs despite sky-rocketing costs. However, current law does not automatically enroll eligible seniors who previously qualified under Medicaid Expansion, leaving thousands of eligible seniors unaware they are eligible for assistance. This legislation cuts through this red tape by automatically enrolling individuals who aged out of Medicaid Expansion and into Medicare in Medicare Part D.
“Granite Staters should never have to ration or go without life-saving prescription medications because of high prices. That’s why I’ve fought to pass reforms that are capping prescription drug costs for seniors and finally allowing Medicare to negotiate lower prices. As House Republicans continue to push to undo the progress we have made on lowering these costs and cut Medicare benefits, I will keep fighting to lower the cost of health care and life-saving medications,” said Congressman Pappas. “I’m glad to introduce this legislation with Congressman Tonko to deliver savings to seniors on Medicare and ensure they do not see a lapse in their prescription drug benefits by cutting unnecessary bureaucratic red tape.”
“Amidst Republican efforts to exact devastating cuts to Medicaid and Medicare, shoring up and strengthening health care benefits for Americans is more critical than ever,” Congressman Tonko said. “Following Democrats’ powerful work to lower prescription prices under the Inflation Reduction Act, this bill further expands access to life-saving prescription drugs by ensuring that seniors can get the medications they need through their existing Medicare eligibility. I’m proud to join Congressman Pappas in championing this legislation that secures needed savings and care for our communities.”
Background:
Congressman Pappas is a steadfast advocate for lowering health care and prescription drug costs, expanding access to care, strengthening the industry’s workforce and training programs, and protecting vital programs that Granite Staters rely on, including Medicare and Medicaid. Pappas fought to pass historic legislation that finally allowed the government to negotiate for lower drug prices with pharmaceutical companies, capped the cost of insulin at $35, and capped out-of-pocket medical expenses for those on Medicare. He has repeatedlyspoken in opposition to any efforts to cut Medicare or repeal reforms that lower drug costs.
Earlier this month, Pappas helped introduce the Audio-Only Telehealth Access Act, which would make Medicare’s coverage of audio-only telehealth services permanent. In February, Pappas helped introduce the Rural Health Innovation Act, which would strengthen access to care in rural areas by establishing a competitive grant program for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) or Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) to increase staff, equipment, technology, and more.