June 22, 2021

Retiree Organization Urges Congress to Lower Drug Prices Now; Older Americans are “Fed Up”

Statement from Richard Fiesta, executive director of the Alliance for Retired Americans, on the Senate Finance Committee’s Principles for Drug Pricing Reform:

“Americans continue to pay the highest prices in the world for prescription drugs, and seniors are bearing the brunt of this crisis. Older Americans are fed up and are demanding that Congress put their needs ahead of pharmaceutical corporations now, not later. Drug prices are going up month after month. There is no end in sight.

“Our members welcome the principles for drug pricing reform released by the Senate Finance Committee. They are a step in the right direction and once enacted into law will provide real relief to the American people.

“Allowing Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices, ensuring that consumers pay less for their drugs at the pharmacy counter, and holding pharmaceutical corporations accountable for setting and raising drug prices much higher than the rate of inflation are all critical.

“We cannot squander this opportunity. We urge the Senate and the House to move drug pricing legislation as soon as possible and deliver for the American people. We cannot wait anymore.”

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Contact: Lisa Cutler at lcutler@retiredamericans.org