Skip to main content


U.S. flag
      An official website of the United States government
              Here’s how you know
        Here’s how you knowDot gov**Official websites use .gov**
                 A **.gov** website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
                  HTTPS**Secure .gov websites use HTTPS**
                 A **lock** (A locked padlock) or **https://** means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. 
  Menu Close
          HHS Search block
    Search
        








  
  
    

  
      

                                      About HHS
    
                        
                              
      
      
      Programs & Services
    
                        
                              
      
      
      Grants & Contracts
    
                        
                              
      
      
      Laws & Regulations Breadcrumb
    Home
                              Blog
                              Martha’s Story: Capping Medicare Out-of-Pocket Prescription Drug Costs
 Navigate to:
  Categories
    Coronavirus (12)
        Health IT (13)
        Fraud (1)
        Grants and Contracts (1)
        Research (5)
        Prevention and Wellness (21)
        Health Data (6)
        Holidays and Observances (17)
        Global Health (4)
        Public Health and Safety (28)
        HIPAA (4)
        Programs for Families and Children (6)
        Americans with Disabilities Act (1)
        Mental Health and Substance Abuse (1)
        Vaccines (1)
        HHS Administrative (4)
        LGBT (1)
        Emergency Preparedness and Response (1)
        Drug Pricing (5)Text resize icon

                    




Martha’s Story: Capping Medicare Out-of-Pocket Prescription Drug Costs








  
  
    

  
      
**July 31, 2024**
                |
        By:  The Inflation Reduction     Act Team, (IRA)

  
**Summary:**
  





Martha Carter, a West Virginia Resident's inspiring story and how the Biden-Harris Administration’s lower cost prescription drug law has improved her life!


      Bring Savings to Real People
I was diagnosed with leukemia in 2019. My leukemia is considered a more aggressive type, but I am very lucky that there are new medications that make my type of leukemia less threatening. I take a pill twice a day, every day, and that medication is keeping me alive. It is sobering to realize that the best medication for my type of leukemia costs $13,500 to $14,500 each month. Because the cost of my medication is so high, I am eligible for Medicare Stage 4 Catastrophic Coverage.Last year alone, I paid $12,000 for my medication. However, this year has brought unexpected savings, thanks to President Biden and Vice President Harris's lower cost prescription drug law, the Inflation Reduction Act. Thanks to the law, some Medicare patients with high drug costs like me will benefit from a new out-of-pocket cap on their drug costs. In 2024, my out-of-pocket expenses will be only about $3,300 —a huge difference from the previous cost of $12,000. The $9,000 in savings has allowed me to use the money in other ways, including helping my daughter set up her own commercial kitchen for her catering business and spending more time with my grandchildren.The peace of mind that comes with knowing our health care costs are manageable is truly invaluable. Starting in 2025, my yearly out-of-pocket costs on Medicare Part D drugs will be capped at $2,000. My story is just one example of how the Inflation Reduction Act can help people. President Biden’s lower cost prescription drug law is expected to save $24 million for 117,000+ people with Medicare prescription drug coverage in West Virginia, thanks to 2024 policies limiting Part D out-of-pocket costs.If you or someone you know is navigating the complexities of Medicare and high Part D drug costs, I encourage you to explore how this new drug law could provide relief. Together, we can create a future where healthcare is more accessible and affordable for all. To learn more about how these changes are positively affecting individuals like me, visit LowerDrugCosts.gov. You can also contact your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) at shiphelp.org or call 1-877-839-2675 to get free personalized health insurance counseling.
  Posted In:
  Drug PricingSign Up for Email Updates

Receive the latest updates from the Secretary, Blogs, and News Releases

Sign Up







  Subscribe to RSS
    

      Receive latest updates

                    
  


Related Blog Posts
    

      Two Years of Lower Prescription Drug Costs
  

Putting Money Back in the Pockets of Seniors with Medicare in Nevada
  

Advancing LGBTQI+ Healthcare Equity: The Biden-Harris Administration's Commitment Back to top
    Contact HHS
    
                        
                                            
      
      
      Careers
    
                        
                                            
      
      
      HHS FAQs
    
                        
                                            
      
      
      Nondiscrimination NoticeHHS Archive
    
                        
                                            
      
      
      Accessibility Statement
    
                        
                                            
      
      
      Privacy Policy
    
                        
                                            
      
      
      Viewers & PlayersBudget/Performance
    
                        
                                            
      
      
      Inspector General
    
                        
                                            
      
      
      Web Site Disclaimers
    
                        
                                            
      
      
      EEO/No Fear ActFOIA
    
                        
                                            
      
      
      The White House
    
                        
                                            
      
      
      USA.gov
    
                        
                                            
      
      
      Vulnerability Disclosure Policy
        Sign Up for Email Updates

Receive the latest updates from the Secretary, Blogs, and News Releases.

Sign Up
  HHS Headquarters
          200 Independence Avenue, S.W.
                  Washington, D.C. 20201
                  Toll Free Call Center: 1-877-696-6775​ Disclaimer Policy: Links with this icon () mean that you are leaving the HHS website. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) cannot guarantee the accuracy of a non-federal website.
                  Linking to a non-federal website does not mean that HHS or its employees endorse the sponsors, information, or products presented on the website. HHS links outside of itself to provide you with further information.
                  You will be bound by the destination website's privacy policy and/or terms of service when you follow the link.
                  HHS is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on private websites. For more information on HHS's web notification policies, see Website Disclaimers.
 Continue
                  Go back