WASHINGTON, D.C. — As the Senate convenes for the new year, AARP and Patients For Affordable Drugs Now sent a letter demanding senators deliver the landmark prescription drug pricing reforms already negotiated with both houses of Congress.
“As negotiations around the reconciliation package continue, we want to again emphasize the historic opportunity to enact crucial provisions to lower prescription drug prices and out-of-pocket costs for millions of older Americans and their families,” Nancy A. LeaMond, Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer at AARP, and David Mitchell, cancer patient and founder of Patients For Affordable Drugs Now, say in the letter. “As adjustments to the package are considered in the coming weeks, the promise of lower prescription drug prices remains a cornerstone priority for voters of all ages, and the Senate must seize the opportunity to enact the previously negotiated provisions on drug pricing.”
The drug pricing legislation will, for the first time, authorize Medicare to negotiate prices directly for some of the most expensive prescription medicines, including insulin; institute a hard cap on out-of-pocket drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries; and limit annual price increases to stop price gouging by drug corporations.
“For any lawmaker concerned about inflation, lowering drug prices should be the first item on the agenda,” the letter continues, acknowledging that inflation is a kitchen table concern right now and impacting the wallets of every American family. “Let us be clear: now is the time. Patients and seniors cannot wait any longer and are demanding immediate action.”
Read the full letter here and below. |
