WASHINGTON, DC – Reps. Pete Olson (R-TX), Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-CA), Kenny Marchant (R-TX) and John Lewis (D-GA) today acted to help ensure access to affordable medications for low-income families. They introduced H.R. 3029, the Improving Low Income Access to Prescription Drugs Act, which would permanently authorize the Limited Income Newly Eligible Transition (LI NET) Program. This Program provides temporary prescription drug coverage for low-income beneficiaries, eliminating gaps in coverage while they apply for Medicare Part D drug coverage. The current pilot program, which expires in September 2019, saved $300 million in healthcare costs over ten years and is less disruptive to folks who need access to prescription drugs.
“When a family suffers a reduction in income, the LI NET Program helps ensure these families maintain needed prescriptions as they transition to Medicare Part D,” Rep. Pete Olson said. “As we continue to tackle prescription drug prices, this program provides a critical backstop for families in need of help. Folks shouldn’t have to worry if they can afford needed medications during this transition. I urge my colleagues to support this bill and get it to the House floor as quickly as possible.”
“Far too many families across America already struggle to afford their prescription drugs,” said Rep. Barragán. “By making the LI Net Program permanent, we can continue to provide transitional prescription drug coverage for low-income individuals. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan bill with my colleagues and look forward to advancing our work to help all Americans get the medications they need.”
“This pilot program, like the Part D program before it, has been a resounding success,” Rep. Kenny Marchant said. “Legislating these solutions to keep seniors healthier and keep their drug prices lower is something I will continue to work on in Congress. Many families who suffer a reduction in income have come to depend on the LI NET program. I am proud to introduce this bill today alongside a bipartisan group of my colleagues to permanently reauthorize the program and provide peace of mind to Americans who rely on it.”
In 2018, the LI NET Program helped almost 800,000 Americans, including 41,350 Texans.