Bipartisan Bill Introduced to Enhance Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Access for Seniors
The Increasing Medication Access for Seniors Act of 2025 is a bipartisan bill introduced by Representatives Jen Kiggans (R-VA) and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) aimed at making expensive medications more affordable for seniors on Medicare. The legislation facilitates spreading the cost of costly prescription drugs into interest-free monthly payments, thereby easing the financial burden on elderly patients reliant on Medicare prescription coverage. Several health advocacy organizations, including the Genetic Alliance, PAN Foundation, and the Alliance for Aging Research, have expressed support for the bill, highlighting its potential to increase program transparency and patient enrollment in the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (MPPP). The bill includes reporting requirements for CMS to ensure proactive outreach and accountability in informing eligible beneficiaries about the program. This enhances access to the MPPP, especially for those who might not be aware of its existence or how to participate. The act also implements a $2,100 annual cap on out-of-pocket prescription costs spread over monthly payments, a feature aimed at helping seniors better manage healthcare expenses and maintain financial stability. Advocacy groups emphasize the need for broader enrollment and transparency to maximize the program's impact. This legislative initiative aligns with broader efforts to reduce prescription drug costs and improve healthcare affordability for vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly on Medicare. The act has received endorsements from a wide range of health organizations dedicated to diseases and aging issues, underscoring its significance in the U.S. healthcare and insurance landscape.