By Bob Katzen

The House 28-127, rejected an amendment making seniors, aged 67 or older, who are at or below 300 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, eligible for a prescription drug rebate on their total out-of-pocket expenses of up to $2,500 for the 12 months from July 1, 2022 until June 30, 2023.

Amendment supporters said this rebate will help low-income seniors on fixed incomes. They noted some of these seniors currently have to choose between paying for prescription drugs, food and heating costs.

Amendment opponents said there are several bills being worked on that would help seniors pay for their prescription drugs. They said this proposal should be filed as a separate bill in order to hold public hearings on the measure.

Reps. Nick Boldyga (R-Southwick),sponsor of the amendment and Tom Stanley (D-Waltham), the main opponent of the amendment did not respond to repeated requests from Beacon Hill Roll Call for a comment.