On September 2, Charles River Community Health CEO Liz Browne, joined Assistant Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and our Congresswoman representing Waltham Katherine Clark (MA-5), Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra, Waltham Mayor Jeannette McCarthy and Everett Handford, New England Regional Director for HRSA, along with AARP advocates, patients, and community providers for a roundtable discussion at the Waltham Senior Center on the Inflation Reduction Act. Their conversation highlighted how this legislation significantly reduces health care costs especially for prescription medications, and will make care more affordable for older Americans on Medicare.
“With the Inflation Reduction Act, seniors won’t have to choose between putting food on the table and paying for lifesaving prescriptions. More families will be able to afford health care, and fewer Americans will be uninsured,” said Assistant Speaker Clark. “This cost-cutting new law is a win for American seniors and will help working families get by and get behind.”
“Starting this year, Americans will save about $800 a year. What else? If a drug manufacturer tries to increase the price of their drug above the inflation rate, they have to return to the Medicare program the difference between the inflation rate and what they’re charging. As a result, they don’t make a profit above what they should, and you don’t have to pay more,” said Secretary Becerra. “To Assistant Speaker Clark and the Senator: thank you for having the foresight to do big things for Americans.”
“This is extremely important legislation for the people of Waltham,” said Liz Browne. “Our research indicates that almost 20% of Waltham respondents to our 2021 community health needs assessment survey indicated they did not fill a prescription last year because of cost. We encourage our legislators to make this important coverage available to more Americans, including those on private insurance.”
The Inflation Reduction Act is a game changer for American seniors. In Massachusetts, it will not only bring down costs but make it possible for seniors to age with the dignity they deserve by:
- Capping Medicare Part D Out-of-Pocket Costs at $2,000
- Allowing Medicare to Negotiate Prices for High-Cost Drugs
- Capping Insulin Copays at $35 per Month
- Expanding Eligibility for Part D Low-Income Subsidies
- Expanding No Cost Vaccine Coverage for Medicare Beneficiaries
Additional pictures of this event can be found HERE. A video link of the entire event can be found HERE.
