Prescription Drug Coverage

What the Inflation Reduction Act Means for Older Adults and People With Disabilities

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 made key changes in Medicare law and coverage to improve prescription drug affordability for older adults and people with disabilities. Since its passage, however, some stakeholders and lawmakers have targeted IRA policies for revision or repeal, especially the law’s Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program.

Comments on Guarding U.S. Medicare Against Rising Drug Costs (GUARD) Model

The Medicare Rights Center submitted these comments in opposition to the GUARD model for raising beneficiary drug costs.

Comments on Proposed 2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D Policy Changes

Comments on Proposed 2026 Medicare Advantage Part D Policy Changes

A comprehensive commentary by the Medicare Rights Center on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed rule for Contract Year 2026 (CMS–4208–P). The document outlines feedback and recommendations on changes to the Medicare Advantage Program, Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Program, and related policies. Topics include consumer protections, health equity, benefit transparency, drug affordability, and the integration of AI in healthcare services. This submission emphasizes safeguarding beneficiary access to affordable, equitable, and transparent healthcare.

Medicare Reforms in the Inflation Reduction Act

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 made key changes in Medicare law and coverage to improve prescription drug affordability for older adults and people with disabilities. Since its passage, some stakeholders and lawmakers have targeted IRA policies for revision or repeal, especially the law’s Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program. Depending on the provisions targeted, this would increase beneficiary costs and increase Medicare spending.

Comments on Proposed Changes to Medicare Advantage and Part D for 2025

The Medicare Rights Center commented on the Contract Year 2025 Policy and Technical Changes to the Medicare Advantage Program, Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Program, Medicare Cost Plan Program, and Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly proposed rule.

Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (MPPP) Draft Guidance

The Medicare Rights Center (Medicare Rights) appreciates this opportunity to comment on the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (MPPP) draft guidance. Medicare Rights is a national, nonprofit organization that works to ensure access to affordable and equitable health care for older adults and people with disabilities through counseling and advocacy, educational programs, and public policy initiatives. Each year, Medicare Rights provides services and resources to over three million people with Medicare, family caregivers, and professionals.

The Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program

Callers to our national helpline regularly report struggling to afford the prescription medications they need to maintain their health and well-being. The Inflation Reduction Act’s (IRA) Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program could offer much-needed relief. In our comments, we offer recommendations to implement this program in a way that enhances affordability, ensures accuracy, and maximizes transparency.

Part D Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program

The Inflation Reduction Act’s (IRA) Rebate Program will require drug companies to pay a rebate if they raise certain Part D drug prices faster than inflation, reining in the industry practice of sky-high annual price adjustments. This deterrent will strengthen beneficiary and program finances.

Part B Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program

The Inflation Reduction Act’s (IRA) Rebate Program will require drug companies to pay a rebate if they raise certain Part B drug prices faster than inflation, reining in the industry practice of sky-high annual price adjustments. This deterrent will strengthen beneficiary and program finances.