Hoyer Celebrates Transformational Health Care Savings from Investing in America Agenda at Greater Baden Medical Services

BRANDYWINE, MD - Congressman Steny H. Hoyer met with pharmacists and medical providers at Greater Baden Medical Services during the Regional Leadership Council's Investing in America Week of Action to discuss the transformational health care savings made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and American Rescue Plan (ARP). As Majority Leader, Congressman Hoyer worked closely with President Biden and House Democrats to bring both the IRA and ARP to the House Floor. This legislation expands Affordable Care Act eligibility for millions of Americans, caps insulin prices at $35 for Medicare enrollees, caps out of pocket health care costs for seniors to $2,000 annually, and significantly lowers everyday prescription drug costs.

"Marylanders should never have to choose between putting food on the table and paying for their essential medical care," said Congressman Hoyer. "That's why I've been a longtime supporter of expanding quality, affordable health care. Under President Biden's leadership, the 117th Congress' Democratic House Majority capped the price of insulin, ensured thousands of additional Americans can receive coverage under the ACA, and empowered Medicare to negotiate drug costs directly with pharmaceutical manufacturers. Speaking with providers at Greater Baden Medical Services, I'm proud to see the policies I helped pass having a real impact on patients and health care facilities in the Fifth District."

"Community Health Centers including Greater Baden Medical Services (GBMS) are most grateful for the work Congressman Hoyer has done to increase access to care, reduce pharmaceutical costs, and provide tremendous value to communities and seniors," stated Dr. Christopher DeMarco, CEO of GBMS.

Dr. Wyndy Webb, Chief Pharmacy Officer of GBMS explained, "The Inflation Reduction Act coupled with the $35 insulin cap has been a beacon of relief for Greater Baden's diabetic Medicare patients, offering not just financial respite, but a renewed sense of hope and dignity in managing their health. It's a testament to the power of policy to positively impact lives and ensure access to life-saving medications for those who need it most."

Greater Baden Medical Services provides care for insured, uninsured, and underinsured Marylanders, including prescribing and disbursing lifesaving prescription drugs. Since the ARP was signed into law, Affordable Care Act (ACA) enrollment has increased 35% in Maryland's Fifth District. Enrollees across the state are now saving an average of $2,690 in premiums thanks to the ARP and IRA. Reports from the Regional Leadership Council, which Congressman Hoyer chairs, found that in the Fifth District 67,000 individuals with diabetes are seeing their insulin costs cut by 75%. Additionally, 2,700 MD-05 Medicare beneficiaries who rely on insulin to manage their diabetes are saving on average $440 annually compared to 2020 prices.