Will Arizona seniors pay more for prescriptions in 2027?

Independent Newsmedia/Charlene Bisson

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Are you worried about Medicare Part D changes or do you think ending the premium stabilization program is much ado about nothing? Tell us in 300 words or less at yourvalley.net/letters, or email your comments, name, address and contact number to AzOpinions@iniusa.org.

OPINION — Congressman Abe Hamadeh has closely aligned himself with President Trump and his administration. That’s why I think Congressional District 8 voters should pay attention to the administration’s latest Medicare decision — and what it could mean for Arizona seniors.

The Trump administration has announced it will end the Medicare Part D premium stabilization program after 2026. That program helped keep Medicare prescription drug plan premiums from rising sharply.

Without it, many Medicare beneficiaries are expected to pay higher monthly premiums for their prescription drug coverage beginning in 2027. Administration officials estimate that about 45% of Part D enrollees will see premium increases, many in the range of $11 to $20 per month, unless they switch plans.

For seniors living on fixed incomes, every dollar matters. Higher Medicare prescription drug coverage costs come on top of rising housing, grocery, and utility bills. Many retirees in Arizona’s 8th Congressional District already struggle to make ends meet. Telling seniors to shop for a new plan every year is not a real solution.

Congressman Hamadeh has consistently supported President Trump and his policies. If he supports ending this program, he should explain why Arizona seniors should pay more for the Medicare prescription drug coverage they rely on. If he does not, he should say so publicly and work to protect Medicare beneficiaries.

Healthcare affordability should not be a partisan issue. Seniors paid into Medicare throughout their working lives and deserve stable, affordable prescription drug coverage.

In CD 8, voters should remember this: a vote for Abe Hamadeh is a vote for the Trump administration’s Medicare policies—including ending the Part D premium stabilization program, which is expected to leave many seniors paying more for their prescription drug coverage.

This writer is using a pen name. Congressional District 8 includes parts of Glendale, Peoria, north Phoenix, Sun City, Sun City West and Surprise. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.