Grange issues statement urging Congress to take Action on looming Part D Cliff

The National Grange is greatly concerned with the so-called “Medicare Part D Cliff” that would greatly increase beneficiaries’ out-of-pocket costs in 2020 without a legislative fix.

On Monday, September 10, National Grange President Betsy Huber issued the following statement regarding the urgent need for Congress to prevent huge increase in Medicare Part D prescription drug costs.

“In 2020, a looming out-of-pocket cliff will increase the catastrophic threshold by $1,250, requiring already vulnerable beneficiaries to spend substantially more money before entering the catastrophic coverage phase. Additionally, the recently passed Bipartisan Budget Act includes a harmful provision that erodes important aspects of the Part D marketplace that changes the allocation of costs between patients and other stakeholders. These issues could significantly increase out-of-pocket costs and cause many seniors to opt out of necessary care.

“Medicare beneficiaries in rural communities often face barriers to care and Medicare Part D has been vital to improving access and affordability. Congress must prioritize a legislative fix that addresses these harmful changes to ensure Part D can continue to help patients across the country access the care they need and deserve.”