Gov. Kathy Hochul and U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand are urging the Trump administration to reverse a decision to end Medicare Part D subsidies, warning the change could raise prescription drug premiums for as many as 1.3 million New Yorkers in 2027.
Gillibrand said the subsidies lowered average monthly premiums for seniors with standalone Medicare Part D plans by 40% in 2025. Ending them could affect up to 25 million Medicare recipients nationwide, according to her office.
Gillibrand called for the administration to work with insurance plans to prevent sharp premium increases. She cited legislation she has introduced to cap annual out-of-pocket costs for traditional Medicare beneficiaries and strengthen Medicare's ability to negotiate drug prices.
Hochul raised the same concern during an appearance with seniors in New York City. Her office said policy analysts estimate about 1.3 million seniors across New York could face higher monthly premiums if the subsidies end.
The governor pointed to state measures intended to reduce health costs, including an expanded Medicare Savings Program that she said can save eligible seniors more than $7,000 a year. She also cited state coverage initiatives involving insulin copays, EpiPens and cancer screening.
Both officials framed the expected premium increases as an affordability issue for older adults already facing higher costs for food, utilities and other necessities. The federal change is expected to affect premiums beginning in 2027 if it proceeds.
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