AARP Fights High Drug Prices on Behalf of Members

Letter to the Editor of the Wall Steet Journal:


Dr. Gerard Gianoli’s “AARP’s Interests Diverge From Its Members’” (op-ed, Aug. 30) doesn’t address the root cause of skyrocketing drug prices: list prices set by Big Pharma itself. Pharma fuels attacks on AARP and other change-makers because it’s good for their business. Quashing change hurts seniors, everyone who pays into health insurance, and taxpayers—since we all bear the costs of today’s out-of-control drug prices through premiums, cost-sharing and higher taxes.

Americans pay the highest prescription prices in the world “for the exact same drugs, often made in the exact same place,” as President Trump said in his State of the Union Address. AARP is fighting for change. So far this year there are 35 new laws across 23 states to help reduce drug costs. Moreover, the Senate Finance Committee, thanks to Chairman Chuck Grassley of Iowa and Ranking Member Ron Wyden of Oregon, just advanced the federal-level, bipartisan Prescription Drug Pricing Reduction Act. We strongly encourage the full Senate to take up the bill.

AARP and our allies aren’t done. When Big Pharma attacks us, it’s a badge of honor.

Jo Ann Jenkins

CEO, AARP