August 09, 2021

Retirees Welcome Senate Budget Resolution

Statement by Richard Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance for Retired Americans regarding the Budget Resolution released today:

“The Senate budget resolution released this morning is welcome news. It will make a positive and tangible difference in the lives of all older Americans and should be passed promptly.

“Allowing Medicare to bring the wealthy drug corporations to the negotiating table to lower drug prices is common sense and desperately needed. Drug price negotiation works, as the Department of Veterans Affairs has demonstrated, and would save billions of dollars.

“Americans pay the highest prices in the world for prescription drugs. It is time for action. Older Americans bear the brunt of these outrageous prices, with a quarter reporting not taking a prescription their doctor prescribed due to cost. Drug corporations have used their power to increase prices and pad their bottom line at the expense of consumers and the government.

“Likewise, adding dental, vision and hearing benefits for all Medicare beneficiaries will keep seniors healthier and help families make ends meet. These are important health services that should be part of traditional Medicare.

“Finally, the budget resolution means that more older Americans and people with disabilities who can receive care safely at home will be able to, rather than enter an institution. At the same time, it will help build the caregiving workforce, which provides these critical services every day.

“We thank Chairman Sanders and Majority Leader Schumer for their work, and urge swift passage of this package by both the Senate and the House.”

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Contact: Lisa Cutler, lcutler@retiredamericans.org