WASHINGTON, D.C. — Patients For Affordable Drugs Now today placed a six-figure ad buy in support of the administration’s proposed reforms to Medicare Part B that will lower drug prices and reduce patient out-of-pocket costs. As part of the campaign, TV and digital ads will tell the story of Ruth Rinehart, a cancer patient who went bankrupt and lost her home due to the price of her Part B prescription drugs. She urges Congress and the Administration to move forward and implement an International Pricing Index.

Watch the ad here. The six-figure buy will begin today. It will air on “Fox & Friends” and nationwide on YouTube, Twitter, and other digital platforms.

“Big Pharma is trying to stop President Trump from delivering on his promise to bring U.S. drug prices in line with what other nations pay,” said David Mitchell, a cancer patient and the founder of Patients For Affordable Drugs Now. “Drug corporations deployed all the usual scare tactics and threats to stop this powerful proposal. We are redoubling our efforts to see that it is implemented.”

Currently, Americans pay far more for prescription drugs than other wealthy nations. Under the draft proposal from the Department of Health and Human Services, the price Americans pay for expensive infused drugs in Medicare would fall from 80 percent more than other wealthy nations to only 26 percent more. The proposed rule is currently under review by the Office of Management and Budget. The drug industry has consistently attacked the proposal because the changes would lower prices while ensuring patient access to drugs.

Today’s media buy is part of Patients For Affordable Drugs Now’s ongoing campaign in support of the HHS’ International Pricing Index proposal. The campaign, which launched in January, includes TV and digital advertisements, patient fly-ins, polling, and videos featuring patients who stand to access more affordable drugs under the proposal.

By a 71-point margin, voters support HHS’ proposal to lower drug prices in Medicare Part B by implementing the International Pricing Index (80 percent support vs. 9 percent oppose). Majorities from both parties believe Democrats and Republicans in Congress should support the proposal that would lower prices for infused drugs administered in physician offices and hospitals. Importantly, eight in 10 voters believe the proposal will result in better care or have no impact on the care they receive. Click here to read the poll.

“Ruth” SCRIPT

I’ve had primary immune deficiency for over 25 years.

When we couldn’t afford my drugs any longer, we filed for bankruptcy and lost our home.

There’s a proposal in Washington to bring prices in line with what other countries pay.

It would lower the price of our most expensive drugs by 30 percent.

The International Pricing Index would be good for patients like me.

Contact your elected official. Tell them to support Trump’s plan to lower drug prices.

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