2018: Mast Claimed He Supported Efforts In Congress To Lower The Cost Of Prescription Drugs Because Too Many Floridians Were “Unfairly Burdened By The Rising Costs Of Prescription Drugs.” According to a blog post from Rep. Brian Mast, "Like many Americans, far too many Floridians have been unfairly burdened by the rising costs of prescription medication. Families should not be forced to choose between a prescription or making their monthly mortgage payment. That’s why, during my short time in Congress, I’ve strongly support efforts to reduce the cost of prescription drugs and increase transparency in pharmaceutical costs." [Blog – Rep. Brian Mast, 9/28/18]
Mast Touted His Vote Against The Inflation Reduction Act, Calling The Bill “Tyranny.” According to a blog post from Rep. Brian Mast, "Well, apparently, Joe Biden doesn’t remember because this partisan bill he’s been pushing for - the so-called ‘Inflation Reduction Act’ - would increase taxes on ALL Americans at every income level. All in, it will total $54 billion new taxes just this year. Will this bill help reduce the inflation driving up prices in communities across the country? Take it from Bernie Sanders: it will have a minimal impact on inflation. Also, there would be $25 billion in new taxes on your car’s gas, leading to even higher gas prices. Will this bill help us cure cancer or Alzheimer’s? No. In fact, it would actually reduce pharmaceutical research and development by $663 billion over the next two decades, killing over 340 possible cures. Will this bill make our nation more secure? Absolutely not. But it would more than double the size of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), making it bigger than the Pentagon and Border Patrol COMBINED. This is the Biden playbook: push the liberal agenda at all costs, even if it wrecks the American economy, and then claim he’s doing something else entirely. He really thinks we’re that stupid. I voted no on this bill, and I will continue to fight for working Americans against this tyranny in the White House." [Blog – Rep. Brian Mast, 8/12/22]
2022: Mast Voted Against The Inflation Reduction Act Of 2022, A Multi-Billion Package To Address Climate Resiliency, Taxes, And Health Care Costs. In August 2022, according to Congressional Quarterly, Mast voted against concurring in the Senate amendment to the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, “comprising a package of climate, tax and health care provisions.” The vote was on a motion to concur. The House concurred with the Senate by a vote 220-207, thus the bill was sent to President Biden for final signage. President Biden signed the bill and it ultimately became law. [House Vote 420, 8/12/22; Congressional Quarterly, 8/12/22; Congressional Actions, H.R. 5376]
The Inflation Reduction Act Included A Cap On Out-Of-Pocket Costs For Seniors Enrolled In Medicare At $2,000 Annually. According to the Washington Post, “The prescription drug pricing reforms aim to help cut costs for seniors enrolled in Medicare. It caps their out-of-pocket costs at $2,000 annually, while allowing the U.S. government to negotiate the price of a small set of medicines beginning in 2026.” [Washington Post, 8/7/22]
The Inflation Reduction Act Allowed Medicare To Negotiate Prices For Certain Prescription Drugs. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, "Negotiations are underway between HHS and the participating drug companies of the first 10 prescription drugs selected for negotiation in the first cycle of the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program. The first 10 drugs selected treat conditions such as blood clots, diabetes, heart disease, heart failure, autoimmune diseases, and chronic kidney disease." [U.S. Health and Human Services, Inflation Reduction Act Of 2022, Viewed 1/26/26]
The Inflation Reduction Act Included A Provision That Required All Medicare Part D Plans To Charge No More Than $35 Per Month For All Covered Insulin Products. According to KFF, "In 2022, President Biden signed into law the Inflation Reduction Act, which included a provision that requires all Part D plans to charge no more than $35 per month for all covered insulin products, and also limits cost sharing for insulin covered under Part B to $35 per month. Deductibles no longer apply to insulins under Part D or Part B." [KFF, 6/12/24]