Healthcare

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February 14, 2025 – Today, RetireSafe released the following statement responding to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s confirmation as the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services:

“With new leadership comes novel opportunities for our federal government to reform and reshape America’s healthcare system. RetireSafe congratulates Mr. Kennedy on his confirmation and strongly urges him to take regulatory steps that protect and strengthen seniors’ healthcare access. He is right in that America is in a chronic disease crisis, which is especially true among older adults who disproportionately live with serious illness and health conditions. Nevertheless, they too want to get healthier, and access to innovative treatments and medications is critical to achieving this outcome. We hope Secretary Kennedy will work alongside seniors and stakeholders to institute comprehensive policy and reforms at HHS that do not jeopardize our access to the most advanced, scientifically-proven care our healthcare system offers.”

January 21, 2025 – RetireSafe released the following statement expressing its disappointment with the previous Administration’s release of its IPAY 2027 guidance:

“With just days remaining before the inauguration, the CMS decided to push the next round of Medicare drug price negotiations into the Trump Administration’s purview. Ignoring the protests of older Americans against this law is hardly the legacy any presidential administration should aim for, yet this one opted to mark off one final item from its agenda.

“Price controls are not friendly to the millions of seniors that rely on Medicare for timely access to novel treatments and medications. These policies create barriers to care, contrary to the claims of the outgoing administration. We hope the incoming Trump Administration, which has already recognized the IRA as a harmful law, will reconsider the entire program and focus on implementing thoughtful policies that enhance seniors’ access to high-quality care.”

Washington, DC (September 13, 2024) – RetireSafe issued the following statement regarding the September 10 presidential debate between Vice President Harris and former President Trump.

“At the first Harris-Trump presidential debate, Medicare drug price negotiations were among the only policies raised during candidates’ healthcare agenda discussion. This is deeply concerning for America’s seniors, who not only aren’t seeing the benefits of this program but are also worried about the future of their Medicare plans if the law isn’t amended.”

“Out-of-pocket spending caps and Part D smoothing are policies that prioritize seniors by ensuring their access to affordable, effective medications. These are the types of solutions that policymakers should continue to focus their efforts on if they seek to win over voters. In contrast, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has resulted in rising Medicare Part D premiums and fewer treatment options. We urge CMS to actively seek feedback from Medicare beneficiaries to ensure the program is helping, not harming, them. It is also crucial that presidential candidates hold the agency accountable. Policymakers must focus on safeguarding this program to maintain access to advanced care options for seniors, rather than imposing limitations.”

Washington, DC (August 15, 2024) – RetireSafe issued the following statement regarding the Biden-Harris Administration’s announcement and event discussing the results of the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation.

“Despite the Administration’s celebratory mood today, seniors across the country feel anything but joyous about the impacts of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) on their prescription drug access and affordability.”

“The IRA is causing premiums for Medicare Part D to surge while also increasing cost sharing, decreasing choices, and imposing new restrictions on medicines. Point blank: The IRA’s price controls are upending a program millions of seniors rely on for predictable care. The side effects of this law—reduced access to medicines—will not be tolerated, or celebrated, by seniors.”