It’s been 6 years since Britney has recorded new music — but it’s been three times longer that Medicare hasn’t been able to negotiate lower drug prices. Big Pharma’s Toxic drug prices Drive Me Crazy.
Welcome to the Week in Review.
1. No Time To Lose
- Momentum continues to build for passing the House-passed comprehensive drug pricing reforms through reconciliation. This week, Speaker Pelosi and Rep. Allred spoke at a Dallas roundtable about why Medicare must be allowed to negotiate lower drug prices. In a press conference, Senator Baldwin reiterated her support for Medicare negotiation, and in the media, Rep. Titus highlighted the overwhelming support for the provision in her district and across the country. The moment is at hand to pass the groundbreaking reforms — with the support of all 50 Democratic senators, we can deliver relief to Americans burdened by high drug prices now. — (KERA, La Crosse Tribune, KNPR)
2. Princes Of Profiteering
- As Americans struggled with health and financial crises brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla hauled in a $24 million compensation package in 2021. To put that number into perspective, Bourla’s $24 million could have paid for hundreds of frontline worker salaries — 521 paramedics, 319 nurses, or 115 doctors. Drug companies and their executives continue to cash in on vaccines based on taxpayer-funded research, and Americans are left paying twice for the life-saving technology we need. — (FiercePharma)
3. “We Have Waited Long Enough”
- A patient advocate and AARP leaders wrote powerful op-eds this week explaining how Congress has the opportunity to help patients and seniors across the country by passing the negotiated drug pricing reforms in a reconciliation package. “If I don’t have enough [money], I may turn around and leave the medications at the pharmacy, even though I rely on them to keep me well,” writes Donna Bowers, a Pennsylvania kidney donor and arthritis patient. “We have waited long enough for affordable health care in this country. Now it’s time to finish the job and pass legislation that will lower the cost of prescription drugs so millions of Americans, including me, can relax knowing that they can afford the medications they need to stay healthy.” — (The Morning Call, The Daily Item, The Connecticut Mirror)