AARP NH Applauds Support for Family Caregivers, Urges Full Senate to Restore Prescription Drug Oversight

AARP New Hampshire commends the New Hampshire Senate Finance Committee for taking steps to support the state’s 168,000 family caregivers. By funding critical programs such as the New Hampshire Family Caregiver Support Program, ServiceLink, and Choices for Independence, the committee has demonstrated a commitment to helping older Granite Staters live with dignity and independence in their homes and communities.

AARP NH is also encouraged by the committee’s decision to reverse the NH House of Representatives’ repeal of the New Hampshire Commission on Aging. The Commission plays a vital role in advising policymakers on the needs of older residents, and we urge the full State Senate to consider increasing funding to ensure the Commission can fulfill its mission effectively.

“Despite these gains, AARP NH is deeply disappointed by the committee’s decision to repeal the New Hampshire Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB),” said AARP NH State Director Christina FitzPatrick.

The PDAB is the state’s only independent watchdog on prescription drug prices. It provides essential transparency and accountability in a system that too often places an unfair financial burden on taxpayers, businesses, and families. Eliminating the PDAB removes critical oversight of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and pharmaceutical companies, giving them free rein to raise prices without state-level checks.

“Prescription drug affordability is one of the top concerns for older Granite Staters,” said FitzPatrick. “Repealing the PDAB is a step backward that will increase costs for everyone and erode public trust in our ability to rein in out-of-control drug prices. We urge the State Senate to reconsider this decision and restore the PDAB to protect New Hampshire residents from rising prescription drug costs.”

For more information about prescription drug policy and resources, go to www.aarp.org/rx.