TEMPE – U.S. Representative Greg Stanton (AZ-04) joined retirees and community advocates from the Arizona Alliance for Retired Americans (AARA) for a roundtable marking four years since the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The discussion focused on how the landmark law has lowered prescription drug costs and solutions to healthcare expenses that continue to strain seniors’ budgets.
“Four years ago, I took on Big Pharma and fought to get legislation signed into law that would finally empower Medicare to negotiate lower prescription drug prices for seniors. Today I proudly celebrate the progress we’ve made, alongside advocates like the AARA,” said Rep. Stanton. “I’ll keep fighting in Congress to expand these savings, strengthen Medicare, and make sure Arizonans can retire with dignity.”
Stanton strongly supported the Inflation Reduction Act, which made major changes to Medicare Part D and Part B to lower drug costs. The law established a $2,000 out-of-pocket cap, capped insulin costs at $35 per month, made recommended vaccines available at no cost for people with Medicare Part D, expanded low-income subsidies, and empowered Medicare to negotiate drug prices.
In Arizona’s Fourth Congressional District alone, approximately 26,000 Medicare beneficiaries saved a combined $6 million on their prescriptions in 2024 because of the law’s drug pricing provisions. AZ-04 Constituent Doug Hart, who has been on Medicare for 15 years, shared during the roundtable how the IRA has helped him save up to $5,000 a year in out-of-pocket drug costs.
“Prescription drug costs are one of the biggest financial pressures facing older Arizonans, and no senior should have to choose between filling a prescription and paying for groceries, housing, or utilities," said Linda Somo, President of the Arizona Alliance for Retired Americans. "The Inflation Reduction Act took historic steps to lower those costs by finally giving Medicare the power to negotiate lower prices with drug companies and by capping what people with Medicare have to pay out of pocket for their prescriptions. These protections are already making a real difference for retirees living on fixed incomes. We need to build on this progress and make prescription drugs more affordable for all of us."
During the event, Stanton also received a 2026 Retiree Hero Certificate for his 100% pro-retiree score, earned through his 2025 work to lower prescription drug costs and defend access to healthcare amid Republican efforts to scale back coverage.