Action Alert: Funding at Risk for Program that Helps Medicare Beneficiaries Save Money
Without another extension from Congress, funding for the MIPPA program will expire on December 31, 2024. For the last 16 years, the Medicare Improvement for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) program has helped Medicare beneficiaries learn about programs that can lower their insurance costs, such as Extra Help and the Medicare Savings Programs. Congress has extended MIPPA funding the last 12 times it was up for renewal, each time with bipartisan support.
MIPPA funding supports organizations such as the PA LINK to Aging and Disability Resources, Area Agencies on Aging, PA MEDI, and Benefit Enrollment Centers in their efforts to assist Medicare beneficiaries in navigating the complex benefits programs designed to help cover Medicare costs. These programs include the Medicare Savings Programs, which help people afford their monthly Medicare Part B premiums, and Extra Help, which lowers people's prescription drug costs. These programs help save older adults and individuals with disabilities thousands of dollars each year and significantly enhance their quality of life. However, many people may be unaware of these resources or may require assistance to apply for or stay enrolled in these programs.
Over the past two years, MIPPA funding has enabled community organizations to reach 9.3 million Medicare beneficiaries nationwide, providing them with vital information about potential benefits to reduce their Medicare costs. With more than 10,000 Americans becoming eligible for Medicare each day, MIPPA funding is crucial for ensuring that these organizations have the staffing and resources necessary to meet the increasing demand for services. For more information about MIPPA-supported programs at the national level, please visit the National Council on Aging’s MIPPA Resource Center.
Those who wish to express their opinions on the extension of MIPPA funding or share their experiences with Medicare costs and/or navigating the programs that help with these costs can reach out to their representatives in Congress.
