Dear John,

I have some fantastic news! This week, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced that in 2023 Medicare beneficiaries will see their Part B premiums decrease for the first time in over a decade – bringing critical health care savings to those that need it most. Reducing these premiums means more money in the pockets of Medicare beneficiaries right here in Minnesota.

Earlier this year, I led 30 of my colleagues in calling on CMS to revisit and reverse a significant proposed hike in Medicare Part B premiums. I’m glad to see CMS answer that call.

In August, the House passed the Inflation Reduction Act, which included my provision to cap insulin copays for Medicare Part D beneficiaries at $35/month and ensure that they pay no more than $2,000/year out-of-pocket for prescription drugs. I am proud to see the ball keep rolling on lowering costs for seniors.

Here are some of the other highlights from this week:

Supporting Mental Health and Addiction Awareness

As September comes to an end, we are closing out National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and National Recovery Month. I am proud to reaffirm my commitment to addressing mental health and addiction as public health issues.

Partnering with Prairie Island
It was great to catch up with members of the Prairie Island Indian Community in DC this week. I was excited to talk with them on how we can continue to partner – whether it’s through Community Project requests or the recent Community Orienting Policing grant they received.

Toasting to Minnesota Breweries
This past Wednesday was National Drink Beer Day. Lucky for us #MN02 is home to some amazing independent breweries. Some of my favorites are Spiral Brewery in Hastings, Angry Inch in Lakeville and Loon’s Landing in Savage. Cheers!

Behind the scenes with Rep Craig:

Yup! That’s me driving a combine harvester last year. Seated next to me is my Ag Community Liaison and former President of Minnesota Corn Growers Association, Les Anderson. Les owns the combine harvester, and the field – which he has named after me! That’s the highest honor I think I could receive from a self-proclaimed Angie-Craig-Republican. I am so thankful to have Les on my staff as an invaluable voice in Minnesota’s Ag Community. 

I’m glad to wrap up my week out here in Washington and I cannot wait to get back to Minnesota! I look forward to connecting with some of you in person in the coming weeks.

Until next time,
 

Angie Craig

Member of Congress