October 19, 2022 

Dear Neighbor,

Throughout the last year, Democrats in Congress have put the needs of older Americans at the top of our legislative agenda.  I will always fight to lower costs, increase access to lifesaving medication and ensure older Americans can retire with dignity and financial security.

I want to share what my colleagues and I have been working on to lower costs and increase healthcare access for our older Americans. 

The Inflation Reduction Act, which President Biden signed into law this summer, is the most consequential piece of legislation for older Americans in decades. 

For years, Members of Congress and advocates have worked to allow Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices, one of the easiest ways to bring Medicare costs down.  Finally, through the Inflation Reduction Act, Medicare can now negotiate prices for lifesaving drugs that millions of older Americans rely on.  

The bill also caps Medicare prescription out-of-pocket costs at $2,000 per year, where there was no limit before, makes vaccines free for Medicare and Medicaid recipients, and caps the costs of insulin at $35 per month for Medicare recipients. It also lets you pay large out-of-pocket drug costs over time instead of right when you start taking the drug. 

For the first time in over a decade, older Americans' Medicare premiums will decrease while their Social Security checks increase. On Thursday, October 13, the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced that Social Security Benefits will rise 8.7% next year, the highest raise in four decades. Recipients should see an average increase of $147 in their benefit checks. 

Millions of Americans, young and old, rely on Social Security or Disability benefits to pay their bills and receive medical care.  This increase will put more money in American's pockets and protect their financial security against inflation. 

If you've struggled with your hearing, you have probably experienced the expensive and time-consuming process of seeing a specialist and getting the hearing aid fitted.

Starting this week, thanks to President Biden, hearing aids will now be available over the counter across the country without an expensive prescription or visit to a specialist. This will save the average American family around $3,000 per pair, putting more money in your pocket.  

This year I hosted my fifth annual Senior Briefing & Luncheon, the first in person since 2019. We were so glad to be together again! The event  brought over 1000 older Americans to the Carson Community Center to connect with local resources and experience a day filled with food, fun, and discussions on what the federal government is doing to help older Americans.  Click the video above to watch, and I hope I see you next year!

In Community,