Bilirakis Touts Policy and Appropriations Wins in House Spending Package

Washington, DC – Congressman Gus Bilirakis today highlighted major policy and funding achievements he helped secure in the FY2026 Appropriations package passed by the House this week. The package includes eight health care policy measures he co-authored and $5.5 million for local projects he sponsored.

Key Bilirakis Authored Policy Wins to Help Seniors and Kids with Cancer:

• Senior Savings Protection Act – Co-authored by Bilirakis, this legislation reauthorizes programs under the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA), extending $30 million in federal funding through December 31, 2027. MIPPA grants help low-income Medicare beneficiaries access counseling, education, and enrollment assistance. “For years, MIPPA programs have been a lifeline for seniors, people with disabilities, and caregivers-helping them save money, access medications, and get the care they deserve,” said Bilirakis.
• PREVENT Diabetes Act – Expands the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program (MDPP) by allowing virtual suppliers to participate, increasing access for rural and homebound patients. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. By expanding education and telehealth options, seniors can avoid costly complications and improve their quality of life,” said Bilirakis.
• Cutting Copays Act – Eliminates copays for generic medications under Medicare Part D’s Low Income Subsidy Program, lowering costs for vulnerable seniors. “Seniors should never have to choose between buying groceries and their medications,” Bilirakis noted.
• Special Diabetes Program Reauthorization Act – Provides $200 million for FY2026 to continue research into Type 1 diabetes, supporting breakthroughs like automated insulin-dosing systems and therapies that reverse vision loss. “Research holds the promise of better treatments and, ultimately, a cure,” said Bilirakis who is co-Chair of the Congressional Diabetes Caucus.
• Mikaela Naylon Give Kids A Chance Act – Accelerates pediatric cancer treatments and rare disease therapies by combining key programs to spur drug development and improve outcomes. “This bipartisan measure gives children battling cancer and rare diseases a real chance at life,” said Bilirakis.
• Enhanced Funding for Community Health Centers – $4.6 billion included in FY2026, with $1.2 billion allocated for the first quarter, ensuring stability and expanded access to care nationwide.
• Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) Reforms – PBMs often obscure pricing and drive up medication costs. Bilirakis championed reforms to increase transparency, ensure fair pricing, and lower out-of-pocket costs for patients.
• Delay of Medicare Lab Cuts – Scheduled reductions in Medicare lab services would have limited seniors’ access to essential diagnostics. Bilirakis successfully advocated to delay these cuts, ensuring continued access while providing time to develop sustainable solutions.

Local Funding Wins:

Bilirakis also secured another $5.5 million in federal grant funding for local projects:

• $4 million for housing for low-income seniors in Pasco County
• $1 million for a Hernando County Economic Development Hub
• $500,000 for infrastructure at Moffitt’s Speros campus

These funds add to previously approved appropriations, bringing his total FY26 impact to $20,840,000 in critical projects throughout Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties. 

“From protecting seniors and patients to supporting families and local communities, this package delivers meaningful results,” said Bilirakis. “I am proud to fight for policies and projects that make a tangible difference in people’s lives.”