Real Possibilities

May 13-19, 2019

By Nan Selz
Executive Council, AARP Arkansas

 

AARP has launched a nationwide campaign called Stop Rx Greed which is aimed at lowering prescription drug prices. AARP’s goal is to reduce the price of drugs for all Americans by advocating for legislative, executive, and regulatory actions at both federal and state levels.

 

“Americans are paying the highest prescription drug prices in the world,” said Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy & Engagement Officer Nancy LeaMond. “It’s time for pharmaceutical companies to stop deflecting blame and acknowledge that the root cause is the price they set for their products.”  

 

AARP Research surveyed likely voters ages 50 and older and found that, regardless of party affiliation, they were concerned about the high price of drugs and support common-sense policies to lower prices. Survey findings include:

– 72 percent are concerned about the cost of their medications.

– 63 percent say the cost of prescription drugs is unreasonable.

– 90 percent support allowing Medicare to negotiate for lower drug prices.         

– 80 percent take at least one prescription medication.

– Nearly 40 percent did not fill a prescription from their doctor because the cost was too high.

 

The Stop Rx Greed campaign will include national television, radio and digital ads, editorial content, emails to members, social media posts, ongoing advocacy and grassroots activity at the state and federal level, and a petition calling on Congress and the Administration to act now.  AARP will push for support of a number of policy solutions at the national and state level to help lower drug prices, including:

– Allowing Medicare to negotiate for lower prescription drug prices.

– Allowing states to negotiate lower prices with drug companies.

– Giving state Attorneys General authority to crack down on outrageous price increases.

– Clamping down on pay-for-delay and other loopholes that keep lower cost generic drugs off the market.

– Capping consumers’ prescription drug out-of-pocket costs.

– Preserving state pharmacy assistance programs. 

 

“There’s no one solution that’s going to solve this issue,” said John Hishta, AARP Senior Vice President of Campaigns. “Success will be when consumers are no longer price gouged by the drug industry and can afford the drugs they need.” 

 

For more about Stop Rx Greed, visit www.aarp.org/rx.

 

  • Nan Selz
    Nan Selz