AARP Idaho to Host Telephone Town Hall Discussing Medicare Provisions in Newly Signed Federal Law

Several key provisions will lower the cost of prescription drugs for Medicare recipients

AARP Idaho is hosting a telephone town hall Friday, September 16, from 11a.m. to noon (MT), with Glen Fewkes, AARP Director of Health Care Access and Affordability. Mr. Fewkes is an expert on health care policy and will provide insight on how this new law impacts older Idahoans while taking questions from around the state. AARP Idaho state director Lupe Wissel will moderate the discussion.

The recently signed federal law includes key AARP priorities that will go a long way to lower drug prices and out-of-pocket costs for people on Medicare.

AARP fought for provisions in the bill that will:
• Finally allow Medicare to negotiate the price of drugs
• Cap annual out-of-pocket prescription drug costs in Medicare Part D ($2,000 in 2025)
• Hold drug companies accountable when they increase drug prices faster than the rate of inflation, and
• Cap co-pays for insulin to no more than $35 per month in Medicare Part D.

“Seniors should never have to choose between paying for prescription drugs or other necessities like food or rent,” said AARP Idaho state director Lupe Wissel. “This is an historic victory and we look forward to learning more about how this new legislation will positively impact Idahoans.”

The hour-long statewide town hall is scheduled for Friday, September 16 and begins at 11a.m. MT. Participants can join by dialing toll-free 866-767-0637 or register in advance by visiting https://vekeo.com/aarpidaho/. The conversation will also stream live on the AARP Idaho Facebook page.