Dear Neighbor,
The Medicare Open Enrollment period is open now through December 7. You have the opportunity to pick the Medicare coverage option that is the best fit for you. During this period, you can compare coverage options, choose health and prescription drug plans for 2024 and see how the Inflation Reduction Act is saving you money.
You should select the plan that best fits your personal needs and budget. To help you find the right plan, you should:
- Check if your prescriptions are included on the formulary and your health care providers are in network.
- Review the estimated total costs, including deductibles and out-of-pocket costs.
- Remember that a low monthly premium may not always be the best overall value for your health care needs.
- Check if Medicare Advantage plans offer extra benefits such as vision, hearing or dental coverage.
You can compare plans at Medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). During open enrollment, you can speak with a real person, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Last year, under the leadership of President Biden and in partnership with Democrats in the Senate, House Democrats passed the Inflation Reduction Act to combat the climate crisis, strengthen the Affordable Care Act and lower the high price of prescription drugs.
Because of this legislation, Medicare now has the power to negotiate prices with drug companies, driving down the cost of some of the most expensive medications Americans take to treat heart disease, cancer, diabetes and more. We pay more for life-saving prescription drugs in America than every other developed nation, often 3 to 4 times as much.
This is unacceptable, unconscionable and it should be un-American.
As a result of the Inflation Reduction Act, the price of insulin is now capped at $35 a month, vaccines are free for all seniors on Medicare and for the first time ever, prescription drug costs will be capped at $3200.
These 2024 savings include the expansion of the Low-Income Subsidy. If you are struggling with prescription drug costs, the Medicare Part D Extra Help program can help pay for drug coverage premiums, deductibles, coinsurance and out-of-pocket costs.
For more information about the Medicare Part D Extra Help program, visit the Social Security Administration website at ssa.gov/extrahelp. You can also call the Social Security Office at 1-800-772-1213.
To receive updates from me, please sign up for text updates by sending “Brooklyn” to (718) 577-1869.
If you ever need any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact my offices online or at (718) 237-2211.
Be safe and well,
Congressman Hakeem Jeffries
New York's Eighth Congressional District
