Did you know about recent Medicare changes?
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) under Medicare, makes a number of changes to the Part D prescription drug benefit that will be phased in over several years, including:
- Caps beneficiary out-of-pocket costs in 2024 at around $3,500, and lowers that cap to $2,000 in 2025; also allows spreading of costs over the course of the year (2025);
- Eliminates cost-sharing for vaccines covered under Part D (effective 2023);
- Expands eligibility for the Part D Low-Income Subsidy (LIS, or “Extra Help”) (2024); those currently eligible for the partial subsidy are now eligible for the full subsidy (full LIS up to 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) with higher resource limits);
The Secretary of Health & Human Services (HHS) will be able to negotiate the prices for certain high-cost drugs for Medicare beneficiaries, effective 2026; and
- Other measures that limit the growth in the cost of drugs and Part D premiums.
To discuss your NJ elder care matter, please contact Fredrick P. Niemann, Esq. toll-free at (855) 376-5291 or email him at fniemann@hnlawfirm.com. Please ask us about our video conferencing or telephone consultations if you are unable to come to our office.
By Fredrick P. Niemann, Esq. of Hanlon Niemann & Wright, a Freehold Township, Monmouth County, NJ Elder Care Attorney