En español | WASHINGTON—The following is a statement from AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy & Engagement Officer Nancy LeaMond on the Strengthening Health Care and Lowering Prescription Drug Costs Act (H.R. 987). 

“AARP strongly supports H.R. 987. This legislation is a significant step toward lowering skyrocketing prescription drug costs and protecting health coverage for millions of Americans.

“We commend Congress for continuing to focus on legislative solutions to help combat skyrocketing prescription drug prices, including the CREATES Act (H.R. 965) and the Protecting Consumer Access to Generic Drugs Act (H.R. 987), both of which are included in H.R. 987. Together, these bills will help eliminate legal loopholes that are preventing lower-priced generic drugs from entering the market and creating much-needed competition.

“H.R. 987 also protects Americans from discrimination in health insurance coverage by preventing the expansion of short-term limited duration plans. These short-term plans are particularly harmful to older adults ages 50 to 64 because insurers do not need to abide by the ACA rules on age rating and can charge older Americans an ‘age tax’ to purchase them. Also, these plans aren’t required to cover people with pre-existing conditions, which is alarming because 40 percent of adults ages 50 to 64 have at least one.

“We urge Congress to vote yes on this bill to protect access to affordable health care for older adults.”

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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.

Media Contact: Greg Phillips, 202-434-2560, gphillips@aarp.org, @AARPMedia