En español | WASHINGTON—AARP issued the following statement from Nancy LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer, on the 57^th anniversary of Medicare:

“As we celebrate the 57th anniversary of Medicare, our nation is on the verge of a historic moment for the program – requiring Medicare to negotiate lower prices for prescription drugs directly.

Nearly two decades in the making, Congressional legislation would require Medicare to negotiate drug prices for the first time and, as a result, save older Americans and taxpayers billions of dollars.

For far too long, America’s seniors have been paying the highest prices for their medications. Lowering prescription drug prices is a top priority for Americans, with more than 80% of people from both political parties supporting the measure, and we are on the cusp of making that a reality."

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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.