WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today Reps. Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-CA), John Lewis (D-GA), Pete Olson (R-TX) and Kenny Marchant (R-TX) introduced the Improving Low Income Access to Prescription Drugs Act, H.R. 3029, a bipartisan bill that will help ensure access to affordable medications for low-income families by permanently authorizing the Limited Income Newly Eligible Transition (LI NET) Program. The LI NET Program provides temporary prescription drug coverage for low-income beneficiaries, eliminating gaps in coverage while they apply for Medicare Part D. The current pilot program expires in September 2019.
“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.”
“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,” said Rep. Olson. “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.”
“This pilot program, like the Part D program before it, has been a resounding success,” said Rep. Marchant. “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 nearly 800,000 Americans.
Full text of the bill is available here.
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Nanette Diaz Barragán is proud to represent California’s 44th Congressional District, which includes the communities of Carson, Compton, Florence-Firestone, Lynwood, North Long Beach, Rancho Dominguez, San Pedro, South Gate, Walnut Park, Watts, Willowbrook and Wilmington.