En español | WASHINGTON— AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer Nancy LeaMond issued the following statement in response to reports that the U.S. Senate is ready to advance a reconciliation bill that would allow for Medicare negotiation of prescription drug prices:

“AARP is pleased that the Senate is ready to take action on a reconciliation package that includes allowing Medicare to be able to negotiate lower prices for prescription drugs. This is monumental and years in the making. For far too long, America’s seniors have been paying the highest prices in the world for their medications. As the Senate takes the next step toward making drugs more affordable, AARP will continue to voice the support of our 38 million members and all older Americans for action to lower prices, including allowing Medicare negotiation. 
 
“Lowering prescription drug prices is the number one health issue Americans want Congress to tackle this year, and with this announcement, they are even closer to making that a reality. Our members are watching and they are counting on their senators to act.
 
“AARP has called for lower drug prices for years and this legislation for the first time would allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices, put a cap on out-of-pocket costs that seniors pay for their prescription drugs each year and impose penalties on drug companies that raise prices faster than the rate of inflation.”

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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, www.aarp.org/espanol or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspanol and @AARPadvocates, @AliadosAdelante on social media.