En español | WASHINGTON—AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer Nancy LeaMond released the following statement in response to today’s federal court ruling on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) drug price transparency rule requiring pharmaceutical companies to include wholesale list prices in all television drug advertisements.

“AARP is disappointed in today’s court ruling that blocks the HHS rule that would provide much-needed price transparency from drug companies.  

Drug list prices have been shrouded in secrecy for too long. Thanks to Merck, Eli Lilly, and Amgen who collectively filed suit to prevent the new rule from taking effect, millions of Americans will be prevented from seeing the astronomical price tags of the drugs being advertised on TV.

“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 a median annual income of just over $26,000. 

“Today’s ruling is a step backward in the battle against skyrocketing drug prices and providing more information to consumers. Americans should be trusted to evaluate drug price information and discuss any concerns with their health care providers.

“Despite drug industry efforts to derail needed steps to provide price transparency of its products, AARP stands with the president, Congress, and state governors and legislators as they work on bipartisan ways to lower high drug prices.”

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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, 202-434-2650, gphillips@aarp.org, @AARPMedia