Friends,

As the father of a Type 1 diabetic, I know firsthand how health costs – especially those related to diabetes – can skyrocket. These bills aren’t optional, and they’re not something you can just choose to cut back on – month after month, you’re on the hook for whatever that insulin costs.

And it’s not just insulin. The costs of other prescription drugs, premiums, vaccines, and other care can really stack up. I’ve worked hard across my time in the Senate to lower health costs for all.

This year, we’re seeing some returns. I was proud to support the Inflation Reduction Act, which will cut costs where it counts. It extends expanded premium subsidies, which keep health care costs down for all covered through the Virginia marketplace. It also caps insulin at $35/month for those covered by Medicare prescription drug plans. Across Virginia, 74,425 insulin users will directly benefit from the insulin cap. (If you receive your insulin through a pump covered by Medicare’s durable medical equipment benefits, this provision will also take effect for you starting on July 1 of this year!)

It isn’t just insulin though – throughout the next several years, new provisions to prevent price gouging will go into effect. In September, Medicare will announce the first 10 prescription drugs that they’ll be able to negotiate prices on – and this program will expand over the next several years, lowering costs at the pharmacy. By 2025, seniors will also enjoy a cap of $2,000/year for all their prescription drugs – meaning folks won’t be stuck spending tens of thousands for medicines they need to survive.

Additionally, all recommended adult vaccinations are now FREE for those on Medicare, including the shingles vaccine! More than one million Virginia seniors will now be able to get vaccinated totally free of cost. Most doctors’ offices and many pharmacies offer this important vaccine, so read more about eligibility through the CDC.

If you want a full look at when all the changes we passed in the Inflation Reduction Act will take effect, find a great timeline here. A lot of work remains – I’d like to see many of these provisions extended to folks who are covered by a range of insurances, not just Medicare. I’ll keep pushing for progress.

Sincerely,