AARP California Applauds the House for Passing the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

December 12, 2019



CONTACT:

Aimee Duenas,

626-585-2627

aduenas@aarp.org

AARP California Applauds the House for Passing the

Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act

Los Angeles—AARP California State Director Nancy McPherson released the following statement today, applauding the California members of the U.S. House of Representatives who voted to pass H.R. 3, the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act:

“AARP California commends the members of Congress who helped pass the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act in the U.S. House of Representatives. This bipartisan legislation is a bold step toward lowering prescription drug prices and out-of-pocket costs for millions of older Americans, including AARP’s 3.3 million California members.



H.R. 3 would allow Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices, set an annual out-of-pocket cap for seniors in Medicare Part D, and crack down on relentless drug price increases by pharmaceutical companies. In addition, the $500 billion that the Congressional Budget Office estimates taxpayers will save over the next ten years would be reinvested back into the Medicare program to create important new dental, hearing, and vision benefits. These benefits would improve older adults’ health and well-being while reducing future health care costs.



High drug prices disproportionately hurt older Americans, particularly Medicare Part D enrollees, who take between four and five prescription medications each month and have an average annual income of just over $26,000. The average annual price of a specialty drug used on a chronic basis is now $79,000. Medications cannot work if they are unaffordable.



Now it’s time for the Senate to act. AARP urges Senators to pass the Prescription Drug Pricing Reduction Act. The President and Congress will need to work together to get this done. Americans are desperate for relief from high prescription drug prices.”

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About AARP
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @AARP and @AARPadvocates on social media.