Senator Hassan Leads Call to White House to Prevent Largest Cost Increase in Medicare History

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, led four of her colleagues in calling on President Biden to take action to prevent a substantial jump in health care costs for seniors due to the increased Medicare Part B premiums for 2022. 

“Seniors cannot afford these increased health care costs. At a time when costs are increasing in many areas, we should be looking for ways to reduce costs, not add to them – particularly for seniors and others living on fixed incomes,” wrote the Senators. “We request that you take administrative action to address these increases, or work with Congress to develop a legislative solution. We must address this issue as quickly as possible.”

The letter raises concerns that the Senators have heard, including from seniors who are unable to afford these increased health care costs. If the White House fails to take action, the standard monthly Medicare Part B premium will jump from $148.50 to $170.10, a nearly 15 percent increase and the largest in Medicare’s 56-year history due to an increase in prescription drug costs.

Earlier this week, Senator Hassan also introduced an amendment to prevent these cost increases. In addition to Senator Hassan, the letter was signed by Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), and Jack Reed (D-RI).

Read the Senators’ full letter below.

Dear President Biden,

We are writing to urge you to take action to prevent a substantial jump in health care costs for seniors via increased Medicare Part B premiums for 2022. If no action is taken, the standard monthly Medicare Part B premium will jump from $148.50 to $170.10, a nearly 15 percent increase and the largest in Medicare’s 56 year history.

Seniors cannot afford these increased health care costs. At a time when costs are increasing in many areas, we should be looking for ways to reduce costs, not add to them – particularly for seniors and others living on fixed incomes.

We request that you take administrative action to address these increases, or work with Congress to develop a legislative solution. We must address this issue as quickly as possible.

Thank you for your attention to this pressing matter. We look forward to working with you to lower costs, protect seniors, and improve Medicare.

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