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Health

The United States is in the midst of a health care crisis. From an opioid epidemic to the rising cost of care. These issues disproportionately harm the most vulnerable Americans, such as those with pre-existing conditions or disabilities, as well as those living in poverty or in rural regions, who have limited access to doctors. I am fighting for change. As a member of the Ways and Means Committee, I was proud to help formulate and pass into law legislation that addressed that issue head-on, with stronger protections for seniors that ultimately will result in lower costs at the pharmacy counter. Before last year, too many people just talked about doing something when it comes to prescription drug prices. Congressional Democrats did something about it and it’s having a positive impact on the lives of seniors in California’s 19th Congressional District.

Thanks to the legislation we passed last Congress, seniors in California’s 19th Congressional District can expect:

Capped Insulin Prices for Medicare Beneficiaries - Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, the cost of insulin for Medicare beneficiaries is now capped at $35 per month.  For many, that monthly cost will come down from as high as $200 per month. It is estimated that the $35 a-month cap on insulin costs is saving 3,000 Medicare beneficiaries in the 19th District on average $330 each year.

Lower Prescription Drug Prices - Starting October 15, many beneficiaries will now pay less for prescription drugs. Any drug covered by Medicare Part B will have a lower coinsurance if the price has increased above inflation.  In 2024, Medicare Part D enrollees who have drug costs high enough to go beyond a certain threshold will no longer be required to pay any cost sharing for their Part D drugs.

Starting January 1, 2024, this threshold is set at $8,000. That means seniors with some of the highest prescription drug costs could see thousands of dollars in savings next year.  By 2025, this will move to a flat $2,000 cap on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs, saving nearly 19 million seniors an average of $400 a year.

No Cost Vaccine Coverage - Recommended vaccines are now covered under Medicare without cost-sharing. That means no out-of-pocket cost for vaccines to prevent shingles, tetanus, hepatitis, COVID-19, and flu.

Protections Against Prescription Price Hikes - Starting this month, if a drug company raises the price of a Medicare Part D prescription by more than the rate of inflation, the manufacturer will have to pay the difference in price back to Medicare.  That means more money for Medicare to cover costs — savings that will be passed onto seniors.

Negotiations to Lower Prescription Drug Costs - For the first time, thanks to the legislation we passed last Congress, Medicare is able to negotiate the prices of prescription drugs. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), announced the first ten drugs covered under Medicare Part D selected for negotiation.

The negotiations with participating drug companies will occur in 2023 and 2024, and any negotiated prices will become effective beginning in 2026. To see the first drugs selected for Medicare drug price negotiation, visit here.

Our work isn't finished. I am continuing to the fight to protect Medicare and other essential health care programs that so many rely on. I am also working hard to expand our health care workforce with new tax credits for nurses and other health care providers. Additionally, I have introduced legislation to ensure providers are compensated fairly for their work and can continue to serve our community and our neighbors. Lastly, as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, I continue to conduct robust oversight over our health care systems, to ensure they are providing the standard of care that every American, no matter their stage of life, deserves.  

For more information concerning work and views related to Health, please contact my office.