AARP Washington Thanks Senator Cantwell for vote to rein in the high cost of Rx drugs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 25, 2019

CONTACTS:
Jason Erskine / 206-517-9345
Cathy MacCaul / 206-218-5915

AARP Washington Statement on Strong Bipartisan Senate Finance Committee Vote for the Prescription Drug Pricing Reduction Act of 2019

SEATTLE - AARP Advocacy Director Cathy MacCaul issued the following statement today applauding Senator Maria Cantwell for voting in favor of the Senate Finance Committee’s Prescription Drug Pricing Reduction Act of 2019:

“AARP Washington thanks Senator Cantwell for voting for the Prescription Drug Pricing Reduction Act today in committee. We commend the Senate Finance Committee for its strong bipartisan work to help seniors and all Americans, who pay the highest drug prices in the world.

“The time is now for legislation to rein in drug prices. Today’s vote is a crucial first step leading up to full Senate action. AARP Washington is deeply committed to winning this fight on behalf of our members and all Americans. We stand with senators who are committed to lowering drug prices and are working to advance this important bill.

“High drug prices disproportionately hurt older Americans, particularly Medicare Part D enrollees who take an average of 4.5 prescription medications each month. Most Medicare beneficiaries live on fixed incomes, with an average annual income of just over $26,000. The average annual price for a single specialty drug used on a chronic basis is now an astounding $79,000. Medications are simply not affordable when their prices exceed a person’s annual income. Importantly the bill includes an out-of-pocket cap on prescription drugs for seniors in Medicare Part D and cracks down on drugmakers that raise prices higher than the rate of inflation. AARP also supported an amendment offered in committee to allow Medicare to negotiate for lower drug prices, but that amendment was not adopted.

“On behalf of our 940,000 members in the state, AARP Washington thanks Senator Cantwell and the 18 other senators on the Senate Finance Committee who voted for the Prescription Drug Pricing Reduction Act of 2019.”

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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