WASHINGTON, D.C. — Following a narrow Senate vote, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., was confirmed today as Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
P4ADNow Executive Director, Merith Basey, released the following statement:
“Secretary Kennedy has a critical opportunity – and responsibility – to build on existing measures to rein in Big Pharma’s price-gouging and lower drug costs for patients. We are ready to work with him to ensure Medicare drug price negotiations continue, out-of-pocket costs are reduced, and competition in the marketplace is increased through reforms to end abusive pharmaceutical monopolies that harm patients.
“But make no mistake: patients fought hard to secure the 2022 prescription drug law, and we will fiercely oppose any efforts to weaken it. We stand ready to help make America healthy again by making prescription drugs affordable. Nine out of ten Americans think lowering prescription drug costs should be a top priority – and they are counting on Secretary Kennedy to deliver.”
Background
—During back-to-back confirmation hearings, RFK Jr. provided limited details on plans to lower drug prices and defend Medicare negotiations — a critical issue for millions of American families.
—Americans pay three to eight times more than people in other wealthy nations pay for the exact same brand-name drugs.
—In 2023, about three in 10 adults reported not taking their prescription medicines due to the high cost.
—84% of voters on both sides of the aisle support allowing Medicare to negotiate directly with big drug companies over the prices of some drugs to bring down costs.
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Patients For Affordable Drugs Now, is the only national, patient advocacy organization focused exclusively on policies to lower drug prices. We empower and mobilize patients and allies, hold accountable those in power, and fight to shape and achieve system-changing policies that make prescription drugs affordable for all people in the United States. P4ADNow is bipartisan and does not accept funding from organizations that profit from the development or distribution of prescription drugs. To learn more visit; PatientsForAffordableDrugsNOW.org.