This could be good news if it passes..

[Buddy1950]

cnbc.com/2022/07/29/senate-...

[Magnus1964]

If it does pass, then all we would to do is get wages to increase to match the rate of inflation. Then the cost of drugs would stay the same.

[wolverine11]

Looks like a move in the right direction. Medicare cap of 2000 dollars out of pocket for meds. Lets see how it plays out.....Thanks for posting

[leebeth]

Notably missing from this legislation is the ability for Medicare recipients to use manufacturer’s copay cards. Currently only commercial insurance allows this. Nearly every brand name drug offers this, yet the benefit is denied to those on Medicare. That alone would make a huge difference.

[sjc2 in reply to leebeth]

That's what I thought after a huge amount of research. Hubbie started Medicare in Jan. and he's on Nubeqa. We were getting it free thru Bayer's program, but it clearly states (everywhere I could look and by calling) that if you have Medicare you can't use it. BUT after paying $689 per MONTH for 6 months I asked the RX to Go that works with his MO group, if they could get it any cheaper for us. It turns out that you CAN get it free on Medicare, the only catch is your income! So if your income is low enough, compared to the number of people in your household, you may qualify, even with Medicare AND a part D plan! It's just the two of us and we don't have much coming in, so we qualified!! He's already refilled it twice for FREE and they even ship it to you at no cost!! Depending on your income, it's worth a try checking it out. Maybe ask your MO's pharmacy for help, ours did all the work and they said many drug companies do this also! Hope this helps!!

[leebeth in reply to sjc2]

Yes, every manufacturer has a program for income based free drugs, and the income limit is surprisingly generous. Many seniors have low overhead and can easily qualify. The manufacturers would like to extend their copay cards to Medicare but the current rules don’t allow it.

To me, that is one of the easiest fixes to this system.

[Bethpage in reply to sjc2]

My husband's CLL MO is with FL Cancer Specialists as well. The company somehow takes care of his $17, 0000/month script for Calquence. Husband is Medicare w/ D and doesn't remotely qualify by income.

[wat380bjw]

There is still many questions to be answered. My concern is Medicare going to only offer drugs in its formulary that they can negotiate prices for. In other words force you to use drugs that Medicare can get a deal on?

[Atlpapa]

A Medicare cap of 2000 out of pocket for meds would be fantastic. I've got another year before medicare but I've been estimating around 10k a year when I'm on it, so that would be a great relief. Let's hope it passes.