Houston-Galveston Area Council Helps Seniors Navigate New Medicare Drug Pricing

HOUSTON, TX – The Houston-Galveston Area Council's Area Agency on Aging is increasing its effort to help seniors take advantage of recently announced Medicare drug price reductions. Alejandra Rischan, benefits coordinator for the Area Agency on Aging, discussed the changes in a recent interview with KPRC.

Click to Watch the KPRC Video Interview

"These price reductions, part of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, will result in savings of 30 percent or more on drugs like blood cancer medications and up to 80 percent on others, such as Januvia, used to treat diabetes," Rischan said.

The new prices will start in 2026, and a $2,000 cap on annual out-of-pocket costs for Medicare beneficiaries will take effect in January 2025, offering much-needed savings for seniors. Rischan emphasized the importance of Medicare's open enrollment period, which begins October 15 and ends December 7, and urged beneficiaries to review their plans.

"As an agency, we are here to help our seniors understand their Medicare options, answer questions, and ensure they get the best value from their plans," Rischan said.

For more information on Medicare options and to learn about free benefits counseling in your local communities, visit h-gac.com/aging.