Blumenthal, Menendez, Booker, Gillibrand Reintroduce Legislation to Provide Parity for Seniors in Puerto Rico & Other U.S. Territories in Medicare Part D

Press Release

U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) joined Sens. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Bob Menendez (D-NJ.), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) today in reintroducing legislation to provide parity for American seniors living in Puerto Rico and other U.S. Territories in Medicare Part D. The Territories Medicare Prescription Drug Assistance Equity Act would make Medicare beneficiaries across the U.S. territories eligible for the Medicare Part D Low Income Subsidy program. This program, also known as "Extra Help," provides federal subsidies to help low-income seniors with their monthly premiums and other out-of-pocket prescription drug costs.

"This legislation will cut prescription drug costs for low-income seniors across Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories," said Blumenthal. "While federal cost-saving subsidies should be available to all U.S. citizens regardless of where they live, current regulations exclude those living in territories -- often resulting in skipped doses and higher out-of-pocket expenses. By expanding premium and cost-sharing assistance programs, this effort will improve health outcomes and put money back into the pockets of hundreds of thousands of Medicare beneficiaries."

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