En español | WASHINGTON—AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer Nancy LeaMond released the following statement today, applauding the introduction of legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives to lower prescription drug prices:

“AARP commends Chairmen Pallone, Neal, and Scott for introducing the Lower Drug Costs Now Act of 2019. There is no reason for Americans to continue paying the highest prescription drug prices in the world. This bill is an important step toward our goal of ensuring that Americans have access to the drugs they need at prices they can afford.

“AARP is deeply committed to winning this fight on behalf of our nearly 38 million members and all Americans. We stand with all House members who are dedicated to lowering drug prices and are working to advance this important bill.

“Prescription drugs do not work if you cannot afford them. High drug prices hit older Americans especially hard. People in Medicare Part D plans take an average of four to five prescription medications each month. Medicare beneficiaries live on fixed incomes averaging just over $26,000. Meanwhile, the average annual price for a single specialty drug used on a chronic basis is now an astounding $79,000. When older Americans talk about the impact of high prescription drug prices, they are often talking about costs that they will face every year for the rest of their lives.

“The Lower Drug Costs Now Act addresses AARP’s key priorities for lowering drug prices and the costs older Americans pay, including an out-of-pocket cap on prescription drugs for seniors in Medicare Part D, a crack-down on drug price increases, and Medicare negotiation authority, which would enable the federal government to leverage its buying power to lower prices. Medicare should be able to use its bargaining power to get a better deal for the more than 55 million seniors who rely on Medicare, especially for the highest-priced drugs and those drugs with little or no market competition.

“A 2018 AARP poll of 1,218 likely voters age 50-plus found that 95% of independents, 93% of Republicans, and 90% of Democrats said they support allowing federal and state governments to use their enormous buying power to negotiate for lower prescription drug prices.”

AARP's letter to the House endorsing H.R. 3, the Lower Drug Costs Now Act of 2019, may be found here. 

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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, gphillips@aarp.org, 202-434-2560, @AARPMedia