Kathy Hochul Slams Trump Over Medicare Cut, Says 1.3 Million New Yorkers Will Pay More for Prescriptions: 'A New Assault on Seniors...'

New York Governor Kathy Hochul (D) said President Donald Trump’ s decision to end a Medicare subsidy program will raise prescription drug costs for about 1.3 million New Yorkers, arguing seniors should not have to bear the additional expense.

In a video shared on X on Wednesday, Hochul criticized the Trump administration for ending a federal subsidy that helped keep Medicare Part D prescription drug premiums lower.

She said the move would increase monthly premiums for seniors and accused Republicans in Washington of breaking promises to lower everyday costs.

Donald Trump’s decision to end Medicare subsidies will raise prescription drug costs for 1.3 million New Yorkers.

Our seniors shouldn’t have to foot the bill.

I’ll keep fighting to lower health care costs and make sure every New Yorker can afford the care they need. pic.twitter.com/hyPjcB48X9 — Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) August 5, 2026 Why Hochul Criticized the Decision “There’s now a new assault on seniors,” Hochul said in the video. “The Trump administration is now taking away a subsidy for prescription drugs so your monthly premiums will now go up.” She also questioned the administration’s earlier promises to lower prices, saying Americans were told prescription drugs, groceries and other everyday costs would become more affordable.

Hochul highlighted several steps New York has taken to reduce healthcare costs, including expanding the state’s Medicare Savings Program, which she said helps eligible seniors save more than $7,000 annually.

She also said New York eliminated insulin copays, saving residents about $25 million, while expanding coverage for EpiPens, cancer screenings and early detection services. “Our seniors shouldn’t have to foot the bill,” Hochul said.

Read Also: Trump Threatens Long Prison Terms for 'Treasonous' Leakers as Reports of Missile Shortages and a Clash with Hegseth Swirl: 'The US Has Massive Amounts…' Medicare Policy at the Center The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently confirmed it will end the Medicare Part D Premium Stabilization Demonstration after the 2026 plan year, ending a federal subsidy program that helped keep prescription drug premiums lower.

CMS said the demonstration, introduced in 2025, was no longer needed because insurers now have enough experience operating under the redesigned Medicare drug benefit.

CMS Administrator Dr.

Mehmet Oz defended the move, calling the subsidy a “bailout” and saying most Medicare beneficiaries would see premium increases of less than $10 a month.

In contrast, many others could see premiums remain flat or even decline.

The debate comes as healthcare affordability remains a growing concern for retirees.

According to the latest Medicare Trustees Report, Medicare Part B spending is projected to grow 8.5% annually through 2030, while Medicare Part D spending could rise 9.4% annually, adding pressure on premiums over time.

The subsidy decision comes as the administration continues to defend its broader prescription drug agenda.

CMS has already expanded the next round of Medicare drug price negotiations to include 15 additional high-cost medicines from companies including Eli Lilly And Co. (NYSE: LLY ), Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE ), AbbVie Inc. (NYSE: ABBV ), Gilead Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: GILD ) and Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ ) saying the effort is aimed at lowering drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries.

Hochul argued that New York would continue pursuing policies aimed at lowering healthcare costs while helping residents afford prescription drugs and other essential medical care.

Disclaimer: This content was produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published editors.

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