U.S. Rep. John Larson visited the West Hartford Senior Center on Aug. 15.

U.S. Rep. John Larson, who was joined by state Rep. Jillian Gilchrest, speaks with attendees at a program on Social Security and Medicare at the West Hartford Senior Center Bishops Corner branch. Courtesy photo

By Ronni Newton

On the anniversary of the signing of the Inflation Reduction Act, U.S. Rep. John Larson, along with state Rep. Jillian Gilchrest (D-West Hartford) held a forum at the West Hartford Senior Center’s Bishops Corner branch to discuss new benefits that are available to Medicare and Social Security recipients.

“I was proud to work with my Democratic colleagues to pass the Inflation Reduction Act in Congress, and in the past year, Connecticut families have seen a difference,” Larson said in a statement. “We have heard horror stories of people having to cut back or skip doses of their medication because it is too expensive. Because of our efforts to cap the price of insulin, thousands of seniors in my District are saving more than $500 this year, and the three largest insulin manufacturers have followed our lead to lower out-of-pocket costs for all consumers.”

Larson said the legislation has built on the goals of the Affordable Care Act – passed during the Obama administration – to continue to reduce the number of people who are uninsured. “Today, four in five Americans can find a health care plan for less than $10 per month, and Medicare will finally be allowed to negotiate lower drug costs for seniors, which I have been fighting for over the last 20 years,” he said, expressing commitment to continuing to lower prescription drug prices.

“I am also extremely proud the Inflation Reduction Act is the most significant action to tackle climate change in our nation’s history,” Larson added. “I joined my colleagues on the Ways and Means Committee to enact new incentives to slash carbon emissions and unleash the power of American-made clean energy, including my legislation to support clean hydrogen, a critical industry for our environment and Connecticut’s manufacturing economy. One year later, the Inflation Reduction Act is giving families more breathing room by lowering household bills and investing in new manufacturing jobs.”

He cited the following statistics regarding the results of the Inflation Reduction Ace:

• 2,200 Medicare beneficiaries in the 1st District of Connecticut who use insulin are saving an average of $560 annually;
• The average enrollee on the Access Health CT exchange in the 1st District is saving $1,830 in premiums this year;
• $25 million has been invested in Connecticut-based clean energy projects.

Larson also stated that because of the Inflation Reduction Act, the deficit is expected to fall by $200 billion.

Larson also touted Social Security 2100, legislation he introduced in Congress with nearly 200 House Democrats “to enhance Social Security benefits and extend the program’s solvency.”

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