AARP NY & Senator Schumer Speak Out About Need for Lower Prescription Drug Prices

Four Million Americans, Including 283,000+ NYers Signed AARP Petition Calling on Congress to Act; AARP NY Delivered NY Petitions to Senate Leader Today

NEW YORK, N.Y. – Today AARP New York State Director Beth Finkel and Volunteer State President James O’Neal delivered a petition signed by over 283,000 New Yorkers to Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer calling for Congress to act now and stop unfair drug prices.

During the petition delivery at Senator Schumer’s Manhattan office, attended by about 10 AARP volunteers, the Senate leader and the AARP representatives highlighted the need for Congress to lower prescription drug prices.

AARP has called for fair drug prices for years and supports legislation that passed the House in November that would allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices, put a cap on out-of-pocket costs that older adults pay for their prescription drugs, and impose penalties on drug companies that raise prices faster than the rate of inflation.

“The cost of prescription drugs has gotten completely out of control, especially for seniors who are on fixed incomes and tight budgets,” said U.S. Senator Charles Schumer. “I thank AARP for calling attention to this issue and will continue working with them to make affordable prescription drugs a reality. We won’t stop fighting until we win.”

“Americans are fed up with paying three times what people in other countries pay for the same drugs,” said AARP New York State Director Beth Finkel. “More than four million people across the country, including over 283,000 here in New York, are joining AARP to demand lower prices for prescription drugs. There will never be a better time to lower drug prices than the historic opportunity in front of Congress. Now it’s time to get it done!

“AARP thanks Leader Schumer for his efforts to get drug price-cutting legislation through Congress and onto the President’s desk, and we will do whatever we can to help,” Finkel added.

Lowering prescription drug prices has widespread support among voters, regardless of their party affiliation. An AARP survey of voters found that strong majorities want Congress to act on the issue, with 70% saying it is very important. The survey also found that 87% of voters support allowing Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices.

The issue is a personal one for AARP New York State President James O’Neal, a New York City resident who pays $369 quarterly for just one medication he needs to treat his diabetes.  “Like many New Yorkers, I am sick and tired of the high cost of prescription drugs. New Yorkers are counting on Congress to take decisive action to bring down the price of prescription drugs. Every day without action comes at the cost of older Americans and taxpayers.”

More information about AARP’s Fair Drug Prices campaign can be found at aarp.org/rx.

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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.