When I text you ? ?? it means we are going to take on Big Pharma and lower drug prices.
Welcome to the Week in Review.
1. Drug Pricing At The Center Of Reconciliation
- We are on the verge of a massive win for patients. Yesterday, President Biden called on Congress to pass a reconciliation package with the drug price reforms currently in the Senate. With clear support from Senator Manchin and all other Senate Democrats, the drug pricing provisions have a path to passage once the parliamentarian finishes her review. These historic provisions would finally rein in prescription drug prices for American families, saving $288 billion over the next decade. “Let’s bring down prescription drug prices,” said Secretary Raimondo on ABC News. “If you put on the floor a bill that reduces prescription drug prices, we would be both reducing inflation and reducing one of the most painful monthly costs that face millions and millions of families,” Senator Chris Coons said. Center For American Progress put it well: “After decades of inaction, Congress cannot let this effort for reform come and go.” (Politico, Axios, ABC News, CAP)
2. Patients Are United: Affordable Drugs Now
- A new survey shows overwhelming, bipartisan support for the prescription drug pricing policies proposed by the Senate – 7 out of ten voters support these historic provisions that include allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices. Ulcerative colitis patient Kolton Chapman shared his experience struggling to balance chronic disease, paying for schooling, and the high prices of his prescription drugs. “I was going to have to pick between paying for my school or paying for my meds,” he shared with the Ohio Capital Journal. “And I need my meds to stay alive.” No one should have to choose between their health and their schooling. Patients like Kolton are counting on Congress to lower drug prices by passing the popular provisions in the reconciliation package now. (Morning Consult, Ohio Capital Journal)
3. Pharma Inflating Lies
- A report published this week found that PhRMA and top pharmaceutical companies have spent $147.3 million lobbying Congress against lowering drug prices since 2020. We’re not surprised – Big Pharma is doubling down on its outrageous spending, as drug pricing reforms are closer than ever to passing. The industry continues to spread lies about the provisions, saying, “prescription drug prices are not contributing to inflation,” a false claim that relies on misleading data that bundles generic prices with brand-named prices. Don’t just take our word for it. Treasury Secretary Yellen remarked on Thursday that current Senate drug pricing reforms would lower “the cost of one of the most expensive items in [Americans’] budgets” and be a “very positive way of addressing inflation.” Americans aren’t fooled by pharma fear-mongering – we have our eye on the ball to lower drug prices and bring relief to American families by passing comprehensive reforms. (Common Dreams, P4ADNow)
Have a great weekend, everyone!