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WASHINGTON-- AARP and AARP Foundation submitted an amicus brief for consideration today in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, urging the court to dismiss Merck & Co.’s lawsuit challenging Medicare’s historic new authority to negotiate lower prescription drug prices. The brief argues in favor of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ motion for summary judgment, highlighting the harm older Americans would face if the negotiation program is struck down.
William Alvarado Rivera, Senior Vice President for Litigation at AARP Foundation, said:
“Now that the law allows Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices, the public and the Medicare program can evaluate whether the exorbitant prices are justified. Drug companies like Merck are scrambling to keep the special treatment that allowed them to charge whatever price they wanted at the expense of older people’s health and financial stability. We cannot let skyrocketing prices stop millions of older adults from accessing affordable medications for chronic conditions. The industry claims that Medicare negotiation will stifle innovation, but evidence shows that the law will support research and development while also saving billions of dollars for seniors, taxpayers, and Medicare. For the sake of protecting Americans’ lives, the law must be upheld.”
According to the brief:
Read the full amicus brief here.
On August 18, AARP and AARP Foundation filed an amicus brief in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, urging the court to dismiss the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s attempt to block Medicare’s new authority to negotiate lower prescription drug prices.
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About AARP Foundation
AARP Foundation works to end senior poverty by helping vulnerable people over 50 build economic opportunity. Our approach emphasizes equitable outcomes for populations that have faced systemic discrimination. As AARP's charitable affiliate, we serve AARP members and nonmembers alike. Through vigorous legal advocacy and evidence-based solutions, and by building supportive community connections, we foster resilience, advance equity, and restore hope. To learn more, visit aarpfoundation.org or follow @AARPFoundation on social media.
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.