Protecting Progress: The Fight to Safeguard the Inflation Reduction Act

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has been a beacon of hope for millions of Americans, bringing much-needed relief to healthcare costs, investing in clean energy, and promoting economic equity. However, this progress is now under threat, as Pennsylvania Congressman Scott Perry and 15 other House Republicans have introduced a bill (HR 191) to repeal the IRA. As social workers and advocates for social justice, we must stand firmly against this repeal and work together to protect the provisions that have benefited so many.

The IRA has been a game-changer for nearly 19 million Americans, capping out-of-pocket prescription drug costs for Medicare recipients at $2,000 annually. 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 If the IRA is repealed, these hard-won benefits will vanish, forcing millions of older adults and families on fixed incomes to make impossible choices between life-saving medication and basic necessities like heat or electricity.

The IRA is not just a healthcare 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 (IRS). 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 healthcare affordability and environmental justice but also increase the burden on social service systems that are already stretched thin. As advocates for social justice, it is our ethical obligation to protect policies that enhance well-being and promote equity.

What can you do to help protect the Inflation Reduction Act?

1. Stay Informed: Understand how the IRA benefits your community. Share this knowledge with others.

2. 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 healthcare, 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 and safeguard the progress we have made, working toward a more equitable and just society.