Schneider, Schakowsky Introduce Bill to Reduce Cost of Prescription Drugs for Seniors

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) and Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) announced the introduction of legislation to help low-income seniors and people with disabilities better afford prescription drugs through Medicare Part D.

The Lowering Medicare Premiums and Prescription Drugs Act would streamline several Medicare low-income programs to ensure that all eligible beneficiaries can access the program as well as expand the Part D Low-Income Subsidy (also known as the "Extra Help Program") to help more Americans qualify for help affording prescription drug premiums and out-of-pocket costs.

"Prescription drugs and out-of-pocket costs are a growing financial burden for all Americans, but in particular for countless seniors and others living on a fixed income," said Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10). "Our legislation would help more older Americans and those with disabilities access the many benefits that were created to help. Financial barriers should never prevent Americans from getting the care they need, and I will continue to work to lower the growing financial burden of health care in our country."

"Every day, I hear from constituents who face barriers when trying to access assistance to pay for lifesaving medications. They need help but find all of the rules around participating in the Medicare and Medicaid prescription drug assistance programs confusing. The application to these programs should be as streamlined as possible," said Rep. Jan Schakowsky (IL-09). "This bill would do just that. By streamlining the low-income prescription drug assistance programs and creating an official process to redetermine eligibility, seniors and families will gain more access to the help they need."

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