Latest News | Feb 6, 2019

Statement on President Trump’s State of the Union Address

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In response to comments President Trump made in his State of the Union Address about prescription drug prices, David Mitchell, a cancer patient and the founder of Patients For Affordable Drugs Now, issued the following statement:
 
“We appreciate President Trump’s continued focus on the country’s drug pricing crisis. But, two years into his term, prices are still going up, patients are still struggling, and Big Pharma is breaking records lobbying Congress to keep it that way.
 
“We’re glad the President touched on his plan to bring U.S drug prices more in line with what other wealthy countries pay. The International Pricing Index would lower the cost of America’s most expensive drugs by 30 percent. The plan has merit, and we urge the President to advance this proposal.
 
“That being said, not nearly enough has been accomplished and additional action is urgently needed. The list prices of drugs need to come down. Patients need Congress and the Executive branch to fix our broken system.
 
“Every day, Americans experience heartbreaking stress and financial pain due to high drug prices. Ruth Rinehart, of Tampa, Florida’s $52,000 prescription drug costs forced her to declare bankruptcy and lose her family home. The time for action is now.”
 
BACKGROUND
 
Drug costs are out of control

 
Americans pay more for drugs than any other country

 
Drug prices are rising, not falling

 
High drug prices hurt patients

 
Drug companies are rich and excessive

Big Pharma rigged the system

 
Americans demand reform

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