The path to reconciliation is clearer than ever with Senate Majority Leader Schumer saying that Democrats are moving ahead with a reconciliation package including the popular drug pricing reforms. “This is something we’ve waited for for a very long time and is going to be a major, major accomplishment,” remarked Leader Schumer at a press briefing earlier this week. Senator Klobuchar, a longtime congressional champion for drug pricing reform, held a press conference reiterating the enthusiasm and saying she believes that the Senate will pass drug pricing reform in just a few weeks. The provisions are deeply needed as Americans, on average, pay $1,300 each year for prescription drugs — more than any other country in the world. Big Pharma is waging a “last-ditch” effort to oppose the bills, with biopharma CEOs gathering in D.C. this week and the industry spending over $100 million in lobbying this year alone. The provisions, however, are “enormously popular” with Americans and would provide “a substantial impact” and “tangible benefits” to patients across the country. It’s time for Congress to get it done. (Bloomberg, WaPo, STAT, Protect Our Care, NYT)
2. Big Pharma Raising Prices Once Again
In the third year of the pandemic and as Americans grapple with record inflation, Big Pharma continues to raise prices and exploit patients, according to a new report from P4AD which examined drug corporations’ most recent price hikes. The pharmaceutical industry has hiked drug prices 1,186 times this year, exceeding the number of price hikes during the same period in 2020 and 2021. P4AD highlights four drugs with price hikes this month, including Benlysta, which now has a monthly price tag of $4,282. “I’ve had to spend my entire paycheck on my medications, and with the price increasing again, I worry about how I’ll make ends meet while still affording my drugs,” shares Ashley Suder, a patient in Morgantown, WV, who takes Benlysta to manage her lupus. The report demonstrates why urgent congressional action is needed to address Big Pharma’s abusive pricing practices and outlines ten reasons why Congress must pass legislation to lower drug prices now. (P4AD, Common Dreams)
3. Pass Popular Drug Price Provisions Now
This week patients, experts, advocates, seniors, and voters called on Congress to pass a reconciliation package with historic drug price reforms before the August recess. The package of reforms is overwhelmingly popular, and a new poll from AARP finds that voters greatly prefer congressional candidates who want to allow Medicare to negotiate lower prescription drug prices. Protect Our Care, AARP, P4ADNow, the National MS Society, and patients held a press call on Thursday that highlighted the historic nature of the package and how the reforms will deliver real relief to patients. “When I went on Medicare, I could not afford the over $7,000 a year for my MS DMT and had to stop my medication. My decision was based on money, not medicine. The proposals will help me tremendously,” shared Judy Wilson, a multiple sclerosis patient and activist. Americans are clear: The time for change is now. (The Cap Times, Navigator, AARP, P4ADNow)
One more thing: This week the Congressional Budget Office found that the FDA User Fee Reauthorization Act passed by a bipartisan majority of senators on the HELP Committee last month saves $1.4 billion thanks to a series of bipartisan amendments that speed generics to market and promote competition. But last week, HELP Ranking Member Burr introduced an alternative version of the bill that strips the package of the bipartisan drug pricing amendments. The senator is standing with his drug industry allies to keep drug prices high. We are standing with Chairwoman Murray who is fighting to pass a package that includes these critical reforms.
Have a great weekend, everyone!
Experts And Patients Held Press Call As Parliamentarian Reviews Biggest Health Care Bill Since ACA
WASHINGTON, D.C. — As the drug pricing provisions in the reconciliation package are being reviewed by the parliamentarian, drug pricing experts and patients held a press call today and walked through the impact that the historic reforms will have on Americans. Below is a quick round up of notable quotes and you can find a 2-pager that explains the drug pricing provisions here.
Here’s a roundup of quotes from participating organizations and speakers on the call:
“This reconciliation bill is historic and will lower prescription drug costs for millions,” said Protect Our Care Chair Leslie Dach. “Americans pay three times more for the same drugs as people do in other countries while drug companies make record-breaking profits. In the wealthiest nation on earth, no one should have to choose between putting food on the table and affording the medications they need to survive. The American people cannot wait any longer – it’s time to say no to Big Pharma and yes to America’s seniors and patients.”
“Seniors are hurting from the rising cost of groceries and gas – and they’ve already suffered for years at the pharmacy counter. Congress is on the verge of passing reforms that will finally allow Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices and put a cap on seniors’ out-of-pocket spending for prescriptions. We urge the Senate to stand up to Big Pharma and their army of lobbyists and pass this historic legislation.” —Nancy LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer
“The drug price reforms under consideration by the Senate right now are historic. They will, for the first time, bring an end to pharma’s unfettered pricing power and let Medicare negotiate lower prices, curb price gouging, and cap out-of-pocket costs for patients. We have been waiting nearly 20 years for these reforms; this is the biggest health care package since the Affordable Care Act. It’s time for Congress to get the job done.” —David Mitchell, cancer patient and founder of Patients For Affordable Drugs Now
“Living with multiple conditions brings a host of expensive drugs — to afford mine I work multiple drugs … Januvia alone carries a monthly list price of $521 and was the fourth most costly drug for Medicare Part D in 2020. I live in fear of my high drug prices. Under the Senate drug pricing package, expensive drugs like Januvia would be eligible for negotiation under Medicare, bringing lower prices for patients like me and savings for Medicare.” —Steven Hadfield, cancer and type 2 diabetes patient
“When I went on Medicare, I could not afford the over $7,000 a year for my MS DMT and had to stop my medication. My decision was based on money, not medicine. The proposals will help me tremendously. Although even $2,000 per year out-of-pocket is a lot of money, that cap on what I would have to spend on prescription drugs would allow me to afford to get back on my medication and I won’t have to worry about my MS progressing. Being able to spread out the $2,000 throughout the year, so I don’t have to worry about paying all of it in the first few months would be a huge relief for me. These things will immediately improve my quality of life and my health.” – Judy Wilson, multiple sclerosis patient and activist
“Lowering drug prices means that we have more opportunities to pursue higher education and careers, and have at least some stability when we can’t control our health. For me, the inflation cap provision would mean that drug companies would no longer be allowed to increase the price of my medications infinitely. The predictability of my drug pricing would be monumental for me. This critical moment is important for us as young adult patients who see this legislation as a vehicle to enabling the empowerment of our generation of patients and those to come.” —Sneha Dave, executive director Generation Patient and ulcerative colitis patient
You can find a policy explainer of what is in the drug pricing provisions here.
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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!
Welcome to the Week in Review.
1. Ready For Reconciling
In the greatest indication of momentum yet, Senate Democrats submitted the latest text of their comprehensive drug pricing reforms to the Senate Parliamentarian this week — the next step in its path to passage through reconciliation. The legislation, which is supported by all 50 Senate Democrats and over 80 percent of Americans, will deliver relief from high drug prices for millions of patients by allowing Medicare to negotiate directly for lower drug prices, curbing drug company price gouging, and capping out-of-pocket costs for Medicare Part D beneficiaries. The CBO found that the new legislation will save taxpayers over $287 billion over 10 years and again debunked one of Big Pharma’s favorite myths, finding the legislation would decrease the number of new drugs coming to market by under 1 percent — not the nuclear winter depicted by the drug industry. Patients know the truth: We can have the innovation we need at prices we can afford. There is no time to wait, the Senate needs to get it done now. (Punchbowl News)
2. AbbVie Up To No Good
A report from the Senate Finance Committee this week found that drug giant AbbVie has been gaming the system by charging high prices, bringing in record revenues, and then avoiding U.S. taxes. The report finds that the U.S. is responsible for 75 percent of the pharma company’s sales, yet AbbVie reported just one percent of that for the purposes of U.S. income taxes. Big Pharma’s main goal? Big profits. (Washington Post)
3. Raising Prices Because They Can
In a much welcomed collaboration, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are joining forcesto crack down on pharmaceutical companies’ manipulation of our patent system. Right now, corporations abuse the system in order to impede competition and keep prices high. The new effort is a result of President Biden’s 2021 executive order calling on the USPTO and FDA to collaborate on patent reforms that promote competition and encourage true innovation. Patent shenanigans by drug corporations have increased the price of some prescription medications by more than 300 percent— leaving patients struggling to afford their medications while pharma executives pad their bottom line. Patients are grateful for this much needed oversight. (USPTO, Mad In America)
Have a great weekend, everyone!
Welcome to the Week in Review.
1. The Way Forward Is Clear
In a major sign of renewed momentum for passing comprehensive drug pricing reform through reconciliation, Senate Democrats are moving to submit a drug pricing framework based on last year’s House-passed provisions to the Senate parliamentarian. If enacted, these historic reforms — which reportedly include Medicare negotiation, penalties on drug companies that raise prices faster than the rate of inflation, and an out-of-pocket cap for Medicare beneficiaries — would bring much-needed relief to patients across the country. “The way forward is clear; the momentum is strong,” said David Mitchell, a cancer patient and founder of P4ADNow. “The Senate must pass the package through reconciliation this summer.” Let’s get the job done. — (The Washington Post, The Hill, P4ADNow, Las Vegas Sun)
2. 8 In 10 Recommend: Medicare Negotiation
A new poll shows that allowing Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices is overwhelmingly popular among voters of all political stripes, with 8 in 10 saying they support the provision. Americans are sick and tired of sacrificing their financial well-being to pay the high prices of prescription drugs while pharma CEOs take home tens of millions of dollars each year. Voters are sending the message loud and clear: We need Congress to pass Medicare negotiation now. — (Data for Progress, P4AD)
3. Raising Prices Because They Can
The U.S. government bought 105 million more doses of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine this week in a deal amounting to $3.2 billion. This time, however, Pfizer is raising prices on the life-saving vaccine — American taxpayers are paying over $30 per dose compared to the price of $19.50 per dose in early contracts. Analysts say the price increases for the government may suggest even higher prices for the vaccine when it enters the commercial market. A reminder: The mRNA vaccine, which has shattered sales records and brought in billions of dollars for Pfizer, is based on technology developed in taxpayer-funded laboratories. In the third year of a pandemic, one thing has remained consistent: Drug companies are more than willing to take advantage of patients and taxpayers to maximize the bottom line. — (Reuters, FiercePharma)
One more thing: Senator Warnock held a Senate Aging Committee field hearing on Friday that focused on lowering drug prices. At the hearing, Georgia patients and advocates shared how their struggle with high drug prices have cost them their financial and mental health. “We were in our golden years,” said retiree Gretchen Spring, “but the only people seeing gold were the pharmaceutical companies.”
Have a great weekend, everyone!
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The following statement was issued by David Mitchell, a cancer patient and founder of Patients For Affordable Drugs Now, in response to reports of Senate Democrats advancing historic, comprehensive drug pricing reforms:
“It is indeed good news for patients and all Americans that Senate Democrats are moving forward with a comprehensive plan to lower prescription drug prices. When enacted into law, these reforms will be historic. For the first time, Medicare will be able to negotiate lower drug prices directly with drug corporations, penalties will be imposed on companies that raise prices faster than the rate of inflation, and there will be an annual out-of-pocket cap for beneficiaries in Medicare Part D.
“Each of these changes will help bring relief from unrelenting high drug prices in the United States, which run almost four times what other nations pay for the same brand-name drugs. Americans — Republicans, Democrats, and independents alike — overwhelmingly support these reforms, and those in Congress who help get them across the finish line will be rewarded at the ballot box in November. The way forward is clear; the momentum is strong. The Senate must pass the package through reconciliation this summer. We will do everything in our power to help get the job done.”
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Welcome to the Week in Review.
1. Keep Moving Full Steam Ahead
As talks between the White House and Senate Democrats progress, major drug pricing provisions, including Medicare negotiation, continue to be a top priority for inclusion in a reconciliation package. President Biden again told reporters this week that he believes Congress can pass reforms to lower drug prices. Secretary Yellen said, “We can bring down other costs that are burdening households like prescription drugs,” and National Economic Council Director Brian Deese said the White House is working closely with the Senate to move the reconciliation bill forward and is hopeful they can get the job done. But lawmakers must act quickly as the midterm elections draw nearer — time is running out to pass this legislation that will both lower prices for patients and save money for taxpayers. Senators, Americans are counting on you to deliver on your promises and get these reforms across the finish line. — (Bloomberg, The Hill, The Hill,The Post-Standard)
2. INSULIN Act: A Gift To Big Pharma
This week, Senators Shaheen and Collins unveiled a bill to lower insulin costs — an issue that has special poignancy for Americans, as 4 out of 5 adults who live with diabetes or are caregivers for someone with diabetes have gone into debt to pay for insulin. However, the legislation only addresses insulin copays without guaranteeing lower list prices, which will result in cost-shifting and lead to higher premiums and taxes. Make no mistake: This bill is a capitulation to Big Pharma that allows drug makers to continue hiking insulin prices while leaving patients with less money in our pockets. If senators are serious about helping patients, they must pass the package of comprehensive drug pricing reforms, including capping insulin copays to $35 and historic provisions such as Medicare negotiation, through reconciliation. — (Roll Call, P4ADNow)
3. Pharma’s Up To No Good
Pharma’s shady behavior has been in the spotlight this month. Throughout June, P4AD has been highlightingsomeofthedrug companies with the highest 2021 revenues and how they repeatedly price gouge patients to maximize their profits. A new OpenSecrets report also details the deluge of recent pharma lobbying spending. Just last year, the drug industry groups spent over $350 million lobbying at the federal level and tens of millions more in state capitols — all to keep prices high and continue filling their coffers at the expense of patients. — (P4AD, OpenSecrets)
“The bipartisan effort by Senators Shaheen and Collins is further evidence of the power of the drug pricing issue for voters of all political persuasions — Democrats, Republicans, and independents alike. Members of Congress understand that Americans want action to lower drug prices — and insulin has special poignancy.
“People with diabetes are at the mercy of unjustly high insulin prices, and a $35 copay cap would deliver relief to those with insurance. Four out of five adults who live with diabetes or are caregivers for someone with diabetes have gone into debt to pay for insulin.
“But this legislative text does not guarantee lower list prices for insulin, without which copay caps will result in cost-shifting for insulin and lead to higher premiums and taxes. Without lowering list prices, the insulin copay caps are estimated to cost more than $20 billion over 10 years, according to a Congressional Budget Office score of the insulin copay cap bill passed by the House of Representatives. It is difficult to imagine insulin makers will voluntarily reduce their net prices. History tells us we cannot rely on pharma to do the right thing, and this bill does not offer any enforcement.
“Conversely, Senate Democrats have a unique opportunity right now to pass comprehensive legislation that would both cap insulin copays and lower the list price of insulin and other critical drugs. The drug price provisions passed by the House and under consideration by the Senate will cap insulin copays to $35, prevent drug corporations from price gouging patients with year-over-year increases, and finally allow Medicare to negotiate directly with drug companies for lower prices on prescription drugs, including insulin.
“There are millions of patients who rely on expensive medications who urgently need the reforms in the drug pricing package, including, most importantly, Medicare negotiation. There is a path forward in the Senate to pass the legislation through reconciliation. President Biden believes the votes are there to pass drug pricing reform, Speaker Pelosi expressed optimism for the reconciliation bill, Senator Manchin and Majority Leader Schumer’s negotiations on reconciliation have resumed, and Senator Manchin remains committed to passing comprehensive drug pricing reforms.
“In order to deliver on their promises to all patients — including those who depend on insulin — the Senate’s number one priority on drug pricing must be to pass the broad drug price provisions through reconciliation.”
