Medicare.gov

**Brand Description: Medicare**

Medicare is a vital federal health insurance program designed to support Americans, particularly seniors and individuals with disabilities, in accessing affordable healthcare. With the recent implementation of a new prescription drug law on January 1, 2023, Medicare takes significant steps to enhance affordability and accessibility for its beneficiaries. This law introduces comprehensive coverage for vaccines without out-of-pocket costs and caps insulin expenses at $35 per month, ensuring that essential medications remain within reach. Additionally, Medicare aims to lower overall drug costs by allowing negotiations with manufacturers for high-spending brand-name medications, with the initial batch of negotiable drugs set for 2026. The program also offers Extra Help to lower-income individuals, capping out-of-pocket drug costs at $2,000 annually by 2025. Medicare not only focuses on improving and expanding drug coverage but also emphasizes consumer-friendly changes that make healthcare delivery smoother and more affordable, reaffirming its commitment to promoting public health.