YANKTON, S.D.(WNAX)- The Inflation Reduction Act, passed by Congress and signed by the President last week will have a big impact for senior citizens on Medicare by allowing the government program to bargain for prescription drugs.

South Dakota AARP State Director Erik Gaikowski says that’s been a long term goal.

Gaikowski says it will be a major savings for users and the government.

Gaikowski says the new law will also cap the co-pay amount that has to be paid for prescriptions.

Before this law, Medicare was directly prohibited from negotiating for better drug prices.