The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) was signed into law in 2022, marking a historic moment for health care affordability, clean energy investment, and economic equity. The law has benefited millions of Americans. From capping prescription drug costs for Medicare recipients to investing in renewable energy and reducing tax inequities, the IRA has been a lifeline for countless households.
Now, that progress is at risk. Pennsylvania Congressman Scott Perry and 15 other House Republicans have introduced a bill to repeal IRA. HR 191 would be demonstrative to many families and individuals across the country. For social workers and the communities we serve, this is deeply concerning. The repeal of the IRA would have devastating consequences, we must act to protect its provisions.
For nearly 19 million Americans, the IRA has been a game-changer, capping out-of-pocket prescription drug costs for Medicare recipients at $2,000 annually, according to news reports. Starting in 2026, Medicare will begin negotiating lower prices for commonly used medications, potentially saving recipients $1.5 billion annually. These changes are not just numbers—they represent older adults filling their prescriptions without fear of financial ruin.
If the IRA is repealed, these hard-won benefits vanish. Millions of older adults and families on fixed incomes will again face impossible choices: pay for life-saving medication or keep the lights or heat on. Social workers witness these heartbreaking decisions daily, and the thought of returning to those dire circumstances is unacceptable.
The IRA isn’t just a health care law – it is also the largest clean energy investment in U.S. history. It has funded renewable energy projects in underserved communities, created green jobs, and taken meaningful steps toward combating climate change. For communities of color and low-income neighborhoods – often the hardest hit by environmental degradation – these investments are a critical step toward equity.
Repealing the IRA would halt this progress, leaving communities vulnerable to worsening climate impacts and lost economic opportunities.
One of the IRA’s less-discussed but equally important components is its funding to modernize the Internal Revenue Service. By cracking down on wealthy tax evaders, the law helps ensure that the nation’s wealthiest individuals and corporations pay their fair share. These funds, in turn, support vital social programs that benefit everyone.
Without this funding, economic inequity will grow, leaving those at the bottom of the economic ladder struggling even more.
Social workers are uniquely positioned to understand the ripple effects of policy decisions like this one. The repeal of the IRA would not only unravel progress made in health care affordability and environmental justice, but also increase the burden on social service systems that are already stretched thin.
NASW stands firmly against the repeal of the IRA. As advocates for social justice, it is our ethical obligation to protect policies that enhance well-being and promote equity.
What Can You Do?
- Stay Informed: Understand how the IRA benefits your community. Share this knowledge with others.
- Speak Out: Contact your representatives. Let them know that repealing the IRA would harm millions of Americans.
The fight to protect the Inflation Reduction Act is not just about policy; it’s about people. It is crucial to ensure that everyone – regardless of age, income, or zip code – has access to affordable health care, clean energy, and a fair chance at a better future. As social workers, we are called to be on the front lines of this struggle, advocating for justice on behalf of the communities we serve.
Together, we can make our voices heard. Let’s safeguard the progress we have made and continue working toward a more equitable and just society.