On Friday, President Biden urged Congress to lower costs for families by passing the package of drug pricing reforms that includes Medicare negotiation. Drug pricing reform consistently ranks as one of Americans’ most important priorities, and the package before the Senate now would reset the drug pricing system to make it work better for all Americans. “Today, 1 in 4 Americans who take prescription drugs struggle to afford them. … Many people use over-the-counter drugs instead or cut pills in half because they can’t afford them. There are others who simply don’t fill their prescriptions at all,” President Biden said. “For God’s sake, this is the United States of America. What are we doing? It’s simply wrong.” — (President Biden, HuffPost)
2. We’re Not Buying Big Pharma’s Lies
This week, P4ADNow set the record straight by debunking five of the drug industry’s lies about innovation, access, COVID-19 vaccines, out-of-pocket costs, and partisan priorities and shed light on the truth about what the drug pricing reforms would mean for patients. “Despite Big Pharma’s record spending on lobbying and dark money campaigns to block the drug pricing reforms, patients know the provisions will allow for the innovation we need at prices we can afford, increase access to drugs, continue funding for COVID-19 vaccine development, and save lives,” says P4ADNow founder David Mitchell. “Americans are depending on Congress to fulfill its promise and pass comprehensive drug pricing reforms now.” — (P4ADNow)
3. “Lives On The Line”
Patients, seniors, and advocates wrote to their local publications this week explaining why Americans need Congress to pass Medicare negotiation. “I often think of all the things I could have invested in to better my life if not for the financial weight of drug costs holding me down,” shares diabetes patient Kristine Shachinger. “I am fortunate that skipping my medication hasn’t taken my life yet, but many Americans are not as lucky,” writes multiple sclerosis patient Sharon Hendrix. “I urge Congress to support Biden’s plan to lower drug costs. When there are lives on the line, we can’t waste time.” — (The Kansas City Star, Concord Monitor, Daily Montanan, Las Vegas Sun)
4. The Patents Behind Monopoly Prices
The U.S. patent system must be reformed so that patients are able to get the innovation we need at prices we can afford, writes The New York Times editorial board. As it stands, the broken system allows drug companies to obtain frivolous patents in order to block cheaper competitors from coming to market. From patent reform to Medicare negotiation, there are real steps we can take to prevent and lower pharma’s monopoly prices on behalf of patients across the country. It’s time for substantive action. — (The New York Times)
5. Another Drug Industry Game
In an op-ed for the Los Angeles Times, author Elisabeth Rosenthal explains how copay assistance programs allow drug manufacturers to profit off patients under the guise of benevolence. Patients rely on these coupons to afford expensive medications while drug companies collect on the astronomical prices charged to the patients’ insurance companies, resulting in increased cost-shifting and rising premiums. It’s another pharma trick to continue exploiting the system while trying to preserve their reputation. Don’t fall for it. — (Los Angeles Times)
One more thing: On Tuesday, April 26, over 70 organizations will join together to launch the campaign “Push For Lower Rx Prices” to call on the Senate to advance a reconciliation package that includes drug pricing reforms by Memorial Day. Please RSVP to [email protected] to attend the press conference.
Have a great weekend, everyone!
Welcome to the Week in Review.
1. “We Have The Votes”
In a new op-ed, Rep. Susan Wild and P4ADNow founder David Mitchell call on the Senate to pass comprehensive drug pricing reforms that include Medicare negotiation to lower prescription drug prices for patients. “We need the Senate to seize the moment and fulfill their promise to pass the package of comprehensive reforms that include both allowing Medicare to negotiate lower prices on expensive drugs including insulin and capping insulin copays,” they write. “Patients are depending on the Senate to get back on track to secure a win for the American people.” — (The Hill)
2. A Human Rights Issue
The high price of insulin makes the case for badly needed comprehensive reforms for all patients. A report from Human Rights Watch explains how the U.S. drug pricing system has allowed drug companies to maintain high and rising prices on insulin — and how this dynamic has undermined our human right to health. The report points directly to the lack of transparency, regulation, and constraints on high drug prices in the United States as areas that lawmakers must address. Jennifer Schuerman, whose son lives with type 1 diabetes, describes the consequences of inaction in an op-ed: “We lose sight of the human cost when we ignore insulin price gouging,” she writes. “At the end of the day, we are putting a price on human life — on a child’s life.” — (Human Rights Watch, Iowa Capital Dispatch)
3. The Cost Of MS
Prescription drug spending constitutes over 50 percent of the direct medical costs associated with having multiple sclerosis, according to a new study. Passing the package of drug pricing reforms now before the Senate — which includes allowing Medicare to negotiate lower prices, limiting annual price hikes to the rate of inflation, and capping out-of-pocket costs for Medicare beneficiaries — would go far in helping MS patients across the country afford their life-saving and life-sustaining medications. Let’s not waste another moment. — (Axios)
Apropos of nothing, the price of a full course of rabies immunization can be $10,000.
Welcome to the Week in Review.
1. The Ploy To Keep Prices High
A new report from P4AD details how the drug companies behind Eliquis and Xarelto, two blood thinners used by millions of patients, have raised their prices in lockstep over the past decade to avoid competition and extract increasing profits from patients and taxpayers. The two drugs, currently each priced at over $500 for a monthly supply, would have a list price of about $300 if price hikes had been held to the rate of inflation. Eliquis and Xarelto are now two of the three most costly drugs for Medicare, and their high prices are directly harming patients. “I’ve had to spend my entire paycheck to get my prescription drugs,” said Ashley Suder, a lupus patient who takes Eliquis to prevent blood clots. “I often worry about how I’ll make ends meet while still affording my drugs. Without them, my life would be at real risk! It’s no way to live, but I don’t have a choice.” — (Axios)
2. “We Have To Do This”
This week, President Biden, Vice President Harris, and senatorscalled on Congress to lower drug prices by allowing Medicare to negotiate. Seniors have been feeling the pain of high drug prices for too long — a recent study found that 30 percent of Medicare beneficiaries who did not receive low-income subsidies for their cancer medications skipped out on filling their prescriptions. The Senate has the opportunity to rein in these prices by passing the package of drug pricing reforms under consideration now. As President Biden says, “We can do this. We should do this. We have to do this.” — (P4ADNow, P4ADNow, KRNV, The Franklin Journal, Health Affairs)
3. The Case For Medicare Negotiation
In opinion pieces this week, patient advocates shared their families’ experiences with high drug prices and explained why Medicare must be allowed to negotiate. “It is obviously obscene to charge Americans so much more than in other countries, especially since drug manufacturers make profits in every country. It is ridiculous that the government cannot negotiate prices,” writes Virginia advocate Patricia Smith. “Without negotiations that actually stop the drug corporations from charging whatever they want and raising prices at will, cost containment can only have limited impact for a limited number of patients while burdens continue to rise for taxpayers, businesses, and those paying premiums,” explains Jamie Tadrzynski, who lives with type 1 diabetes. “The drug-pricing reforms the Senate is currently considering would deliver meaningful relief to patients like me, while still rewarding innovation,” shares Kris Garcia, who lives with multiple health conditions, including bleeding disorders. — (The Free Lance-Star, Las Vegas Sun, The Colorado Sun)
This April, we won’t let Big Pharma fool us: We can have the drug innovation we need at prices we can afford.
Welcome to the Week in Review.
1. Priority #1: Full Drug Pricing Package
On Thursday, the House of Representatives passed legislation to cap copays for insulin for the second time. The provision was included in the historic comprehensive package of drug pricing reforms passed by the House in November and currently under consideration by the Senate. The package is composed of key reforms, including Medicare negotiation to lower drug prices, which is the most popular part of the president’s economic plan. “To be clear, comprehensive reform is urgently needed to lift the crushing burden of prescription drug prices,” Speaker Pelosi explained. Democrats in the Senate have the votes and must act urgently to pass the complete package of reforms through reconciliation and lower drug prices for all Americans, including those who take insulin. Patientscan’t wait any longer. — (Common Dreams, Navigator Research, P4ADNow)
2. Saving Money, Improving Access
This week, patients and an elected state official called on Congress to pass the package of drug pricing reforms to deliver lower drug prices for Americans. “I live with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and the medication keeping me alive is priced at almost $15,000 a month. Just last month, its manufacturer hiked the price by $1,030,” shares New York patient advocate Lynn Scarfuto. Medicare negotiation “will save lives by allowing access to life-saving drugs for many Americans who can’t presently afford them,” explains Nevada cancer survivor Joyce Newman. “I urge congressional leaders to pass these significant health care provisions to provide much-needed relief to families across New Jersey and the country,” writes New Jersey Assemblyman John McKeon. — (Albany Times-Union, Reno Gazette Journal, Star-Ledger)
3. Time For A Course-Correct
A new analysis shows that cancer drug prices rose in the United States between 2009 and 2020 while prices in Germany and Switzerland decreased or kept pace with the rate of inflation over the same time period. The difference, according to the authors, can be attributed to the fact that Germany and Switzerland negotiate lower prices with drug manufacturers while the United States is prohibited from doing so. The inability of Medicare to negotiate over the past two decades has had lasting ramifications for patients and taxpayers — let’s course-correct and pass Medicare negotiation legislation now. — (Endpoints News)
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 AARPleaders 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)
It’s madness that drug prices are still so high, but if a #15 can beat a #2, then we can beat pharma and lower drug prices for Americans.
Welcome to the Week in Review.
1. “A Clear Path Forward”
On Wednesday, the Senate Finance Committee’s hearing on high drug prices further underscored the urgent need for drug pricing reform. During the hearing, senatorsexplained how the House-passed reforms in the Build Back Better Act — which the drug lobby has spent tens of millions of dollars opposing — willhelplowerpricesforpatients. “There is just no substitute — none — for the number one reform, which is allowing Medicare to negotiate like any other payer,” said Chairman Wyden. “I see a clear path forward to deliver drug pricing reform for the American people in a way that is balanced and in a way that is fair, and I’m confident that these policies can pass through Congress and be signed into law even today,” added Senator Carper. Let’s get it done. — (P4ADNow)
2. Letters For Lower Drugs
In letters and op-eds this week, a patient, a constituent, and employers urged Congress to act quickly to lower drug prices. “As a senior living on a fixed income, I’ve had to choose between filling my Humira prescription or buying groceries. That’s a decision no one should have to make,” writes Katherine Pepper, a Washington patient who lives with an autoimmune disease. “Rising prices have been a constant problem as drug corporations have relentlessly raised prices, often higher than inflation rates, for well over a decade,” explains Virginian Dilcia Molina. “The time is long overdue for Congress to act on drug prices.” — (The Seattle Times, The Free Lance-Star, The Hill)
3. Stop Pharma Profiteering Now
A piece in The Philadelphia Inquirer lays out how drug companies and theirexecutives have raked in massive profits from taxpayer-funded COVID-19 vaccines and treatments. “Make no mistake: The effort by drug companies was hugely profitable, because the government paid for the research, removed all the risk factors and committed billions to pre-approval purchases,” author Daniel Hoffman explains. — (The Philadelphia Inquirer, CNBC, FiercePharma)
4. The High Price Of Cancer Care
A new survey from the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network reveals that 51 percent of cancer patients and survivors have taken on debt to pay for their care, and 65 percent say they are worried about the costs of their prescription drugs. Cancer medications are among the most expensive drugs on the market — it’s more clear evidence that high prices are hurting patients. Americans deserve better. — (Axios)
5. Patient Spotlight ?
Virginia patient advocate Kat Schroeder, who lives with type 1 diabetes, was interviewed by Spectrum News on why patients need Congress to pass drug pricing reforms now. “This is my lifeline,” Kat said about her insulin, which costs about $3,300 for a three-month supply. “If I run out of insulin, I’m dead within a few days.” The drug pricing reforms being considered by the Senate will allow Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices, including for insulin. Kat and millions of other patients are depending on Congress to fulfill their promise. – (Spectrum News)
One more thing: Good news! This week, the New Jersey Senate Health, Human Services, and Senior Citizens Committee voted to advance legislation that would establish a prescription drug affordability board to tackle high drug prices on behalf of New Jersey patients.
Welcome to the Week in Review.
1. Listen To Colorado Patients
On Tuesday, Colorado patient advocates Gail deVore and Kris Garcia shared their experiences with high drug prices at a virtual roundtable with Senator Bennet and urged Congress to pass the drug pricing reforms from the Build Back Better Act. “I had to give up my dream of being a business owner because of how expensive my medications were,” said Kris, a patient who lives with several bleeding disorders, asthma, and severe allergies. “As someone who has been facing the outrageous price of insulin for decades, I can’t begin to tell you how much real, comprehensive drug pricing reform would mean to me,” shared Gail, a type 1 diabetes patient. There is a clear path forward for lawmakers to deliver lower prescription drug prices in the new reconciliation package. Patients in Colorado and across the country are demanding reforms — Congress must act now. — (P4ADNow)
2. Momentum Is Clearer Than Ever
This week, Senator Brown, a patient advocate, and a veteran wrote to their local publications in support of allowing Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices. Senator Brown explains that the current ban on Medicare negotiation allows Big Pharma to price gouge for higher profits at the expense of Americans who depend on their medications. Patient advocate Therese Humphrey Ball, a retired nurse who lives with multiple sclerosis, describes forgoing her medication due to its high price. “Lowering drug prices through negotiations is a commonsense way to make medicines affordable for people on Medicare,” writes Michael Kanter, a Florida veteran. “Patients like me are counting on President Biden to make good on his promise and work with Congress to pass these reforms,” Therese urges. “We can’t wait any longer.” — (Wilmington News Journal, South Bend Tribune, Tampa Bay Times)
3. Big Pharma’s Big Money
Big Pharma continued to break records this week. The industry is spending millions on TV ads while patients are struggling to afford the very prescription drugs Big Pharma is advertising. Eli Lilly’s diabetes drug Trulicity holds its winning streak with a hefty $45.8 million spend. And it’s no surprise that Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel’s pay jumped 41% to $18.2 million as the company’s COVID-19 vaccine expands globally. In the third year of a pandemic that has killed nearly 1 million Americans so far, Bancel is becoming filthy rich off a vaccine funded and paid for by taxpayers – profiteering off the pandemic at it’s finest. — (FiercePharma, FiercePharma)
HEADS UP: The Senate Finance Committee is holding a hearing on the urgent need to lower prescription drug prices on Wednesday, March 16. Keep an eye out for an email from us on Big Pharma talking points to watch out for during the hearing.
Roundtable Takes Place As Senate Considers Drug Pricing Reforms In A New Reconciliation Package
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Colorado patient advocates Gail deVore and Kris Garcia will speak at Senator Michael Bennet’s virtual roundtable today at 3:00 PM MT/5:00 PM ET on the urgent need to lower the price of prescription drugs. This event takes place as the Senate considers the drug pricing reforms already passed by the House of Representatives.
“Colorado patients are fortunate that Senator Bennet is a champion in the fight to deliver relief to Coloradans and Americans who are struggling to afford their prescription drugs,” said David Mitchell, a patient with incurable blood cancer whose drugs carry a list price of more than $900,000 per year and founder of Patients For Affordable Drugs Now, ahead of the roundtable. “The drug pricing reforms under consideration by the Senate will help millions of patients by authorizing Medicare to negotiate directly with drug companies, limiting year-to-year price increases, and capping out-of-pocket costs for millions who are on Medicare or are insulin-dependent.”
Kris, a father of three from Denver, lives with bleeding disorders, asthma, and severe allergies and is prescribed many expensive drugs, including EpiPens and Humate-P, which costs $10,000 per vial. “The toll of having a medical condition like this is taxing enough; the financial burden only makes such a situation more stressful,” Kris will say at the roundtable. “The price of these prescriptions has affected many decisions in my life. I had to give up my dream of being a business owner because of how expensive my medications were. … My family and I will keep having to make daily sacrifices in order to make sure I have what I need to survive. … The Senate must pass these measures now to help the millions of patients in the U.S. who struggle to afford their drugs.”
“As someone who has been facing the outrageous price of insulin for decades, I can’t begin to tell you how much real, comprehensive drug pricing reform would mean to me,” Gail, a Denver patient who lives with type 1 diabetes and depends on insulin to survive, will share today. “That’s why I am so grateful that Senator Bennet is fighting to lower drug prices for all patients so we have access to the medications we need at prices we can afford.”
In his State of the Union address last week, President Biden called on Congress to lower the prices of prescription drugs by passing reforms, including allowing Medicare to negotiate. The drug pricing reforms in the House-passed Build Back Better Act are the most popular element of the package, will deliver relief to patients, and have been endorsed by all 50 Democratic senators.
Senator Bennet, Gail, and Kris will be joined by other Colorado patients and spokespeople from AARP Colorado and Colorado Consumer Health Initiative at today’s event. Reporters who are interested in attending today’s 3:00 PM MT/5:00 PM ET virtual roundtable should RSVP to [email protected]. Gail, Kris, and P4ADNow staff members are available to speak with press upon request.
