Approximately 1.4 million Medicare enrollees received notices this fall that they may lose help paying for medications through the Low-Income Subsidy, also known as LIS or “Extra Help.” It is extremely important for individuals who receive a notice from Medicare about their LIS ending to reapply for LIS coverage as soon as possible to ensure they continue to receive assistance with Part D drug costs in 2025. Individuals not eligible for LIS may want to consider choosing a different Part D plan that is more affordable.
Starting in January 2025, two new Medicare Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) will impact when low-income individuals can join, switch, or leave Medicare Advantage Plans or Prescription Drug Plans.
This issue brief discusses why becoming a Part A buy-in state is important, how it reduces inequities among the lowest income populations, the advantages to becoming a Part A buy-in state, and a summary of strategies advocates can implement to enact this policy change.
Justice in Aging’s comments on the 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule advocate for equitable payment policies that protect access to care for low‑income older adults and address disparities in physician services reimbursement.
