Fake price drops, real debt: Why Congress must kill the latest Medicare subsidy

Published October 1, 2026 9:00am ET



Democratic lawmakers want Congress to extend Medicare Part D’s premium stabilization program, which was created to shield seniors from sharp premium increases as the prescription drug benefit underwent major changes.

Congress should let the program expire as planned after 2026. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services says Part D insurers now have sufficient experience with the redesigned benefit to return to traditional market conditions in 2027.

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