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Pulling back the curtains on wage-theft enforcement in MN; Trump's latest attack is on RFK, Jr; NM LGBTQ+ equality group endorses 2024 'Rock Star' candidates; Michigan's youth justice reforms: Expanded diversion, no fees.

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Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg says rebuilding Baltimore's Key Bridge will be challenging and expensive. An Alabama Democrat flips a state legislature seat and former Connecticut senator Joe Lieberman dies at 82.

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AARP-NY to Congress: Let Medicare Negotiate Prescription Prices

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Thursday, October 21, 2021   

ALBANY, N.Y. -- AARP is among the groups urging Congress to pass a proposal to allow Medicare to negotiate lower prescription costs with drug companies, as part of the Build Back Better Act.

The average annual cost of prescription drugs increased 55% faster than the average income of New York residents between 2015 and 2019, according to AARP.

Americans pay on average three times as much for brand-name drugs compared to other countries.

Joe Stelling, associate director for advocacy at AARP New York, said it is time for change.

"There's no reason why Americans should pay the highest prescription drug prices in the world," Stelling asserted. "It's just wrong that many seniors are forced to choose between filling their prescriptions and paying rent, or buying groceries."

The Veterans Administration already negotiates prices with pharmaceutical companies. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the VA pays about half as much for brand-name drugs compared to the Medicare prescription drug benefit.

Stelling estimates people with Medicare 'Part D' plans could collectively save $117 billion over 10 years with price negotiations.

Bill Ferris, legislative representative for AARP New York, said many of his group's members age 65 or older are on Social Security and have limited incomes. He pointed out the issue with high drug prices isn't new, and can have serious health impacts.

"One of the worst things that happens is when someone can't afford their prescription drug, and they delay filling their prescription, or they don't take their prescription," Ferris observed.

Ferris added the group is working to partner with the Medicare Savings Program, which might allow lower deductibles and cover more prescriptions.

According to an AARP "Price Watch" report, the average older American takes four prescription drugs, often the result of a chronic health condition.

Disclosure: AARP New York contributes to our fund for reporting on Civil Rights, Community Issues and Volunteering, Health Issues, and Senior Issues. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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