AARP Launches ‘Stop Rx Greed’ Campaign

AARP Launches ‘Stop Rx Greed’ Campaign

Targeting High Prescription Drug Prices

New Campaign Focuses on Federal and State Solutions to Cut Drug Prices Now

RICHMOND — AARP announced the launch of ‘ Stop Rx Greed,’ a nationwide campaign aimed at lowering prescription drug prices, in March. The goal of AARP’s sustained campaign is to help drive down drug prices for Virginians and all Americans by advocating for a variety of legislative, executive, and regulatory actions at both the federal and state level.

 

“Lifesaving drugs don’t help if you can’t afford them,” said AARP Virginia State Director Jim Dau. “It’s well past time that lawmakers and drug makers put people ahead of profits.”

As part of the campaign, AARP Research conducted a national survey of likely voters ages 50 and older. The survey found that significant majorities of self-identified Republican, Democrat, and independent voters shared concerns about the high price of drugs, and support common-sense policies that will lower prices. Survey findings include:

 

• 72 percent say they are concerned about the cost of their medications.
• 63 percent say the cost of prescription drugs is unreasonable.
• 90 percent support allowing Medicare to negotiate for lower drug prices.
• 80 percent report taking at least one prescription medication.
• Nearly 40 percent say they did not fill a prescription provided by their doctor with cost being the most common reason.

 

“Lawmakers at every level can - and they should - take action to make prescription drugs more affordable for people who need them,” added Dau.

The Stop Rx Greed campaign will include national television, radio and digital ads, editorial content, emails to members, social media posts, ongoing advocacy and grassroots activity in D.C. and the states, and a petition calling on Congress and the Administration to take action now. As part of the campaign, AARP will push for support of a number of policy solutions at the national and state level to help lower drug prices, including:

• Allowing Medicare to negotiate for lower prescription drug prices.
• Allowing states to negotiate lower prices with drug companies.
• Giving state Attorneys General authority to crack down on outrageous price increases.
• Clamping down on pay-for-delay and other loopholes that keep lower cost generic drugs off the market.
• Capping consumers’ prescription drug out-of-pocket costs.
• Preserving state pharmacy assistance programs.
• Prevent subprime health plans that don’t offer consumer protections like prescription drug coverage from being sold in Virginia. Several bills passed the General Assembly allowing subprime health plans. AARP Virginia urges Governor Northam to use his veto power to assure that health plans offer prescription drugs at affordable prices.

For more about Stop Rx Greed, visit www.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.