Cutting Copays Act

This bill lowers out-of-pocket costs for the lowest‑income people on Medicare’s Part D drug plans. Before 2026, it keeps very low copays ($1 for most generics and $3 for other drugs). Starting in 2026, generic drugs would have a $0 copay. Copays for other (mostly brand‑name) drugs would stay at the 2023 reduced level and then rise slightly each year with inflation. A summary also confirms that cost‑sharing for generics is eliminated for the lowest‑income group beginning in 2026.

Key points:

• Who is affected: People with the lowest incomes who get the Medicare Part D Low‑Income Subsidy (Extra Help).
• What changes: Copays drop to $0 for generics in 2026; reduced copays for other drugs are held at 2023 levels and then adjusted yearly for inflation; before 2026, copays are $1 for most generics and $3 for other drugs.
• When: Changes start in 2026, with prior‑year limits continuing until then.