Advancing Enrollment and Reducing Drug Costs Act
Advancing Enrollment and Reducing Drug Costs Act
Plain Language Summary
# Advancing Enrollment and Reducing Drug Costs Act (HR 2340) — Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would automatically enroll certain low-income seniors in Medicare's prescription drug assistance program without requiring them to apply. Specifically, it would cover people who were on Medicaid before turning 65 and have incomes below 200% of the federal poverty line (roughly $28,000 for an individual in 2024). Currently, these eligible seniors must actively apply for help paying for prescriptions; this bill would make that enrollment automatic, similar to how Social Security automatically enrolls eligible seniors in Medicare. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The bill primarily affects low-income seniors aged 65 and older who qualify for Medicaid—a group that often struggles to afford medications. By removing the application requirement, the bill aims to help more eligible seniors access subsidies that reduce their prescription drug costs.
This could particularly benefit seniors who are unaware of the program or face barriers to completing applications. The bill targets individuals covered by Medicaid expansion, which has been available in most (but not all) states since the Affordable Care Act. **Current Status** HR 2340 is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. The bill was introduced by Representative Chris Pappas (D-NH) and remains in the legislative review stage.
CRS Official Summary
Advancing Enrollment and Reducing Drug Costs ActThis bill specifies that certain Medicaid enrollees automatically qualify for low-income subsidies under the Medicare prescription drug benefit. Specifically, the bill automatically qualifies individuals who were enrolled in Medicaid before they turned 65 (as part of Medicaid expansion under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act) and whose income is below 200% of the federal poverty line.
Latest Action
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.