Addressing Rising Prescription Drug Costs

The rising cost of prescription drugs is a pressing issue that impacts millions of Americans, particularly our seniors and vulnerable populations. To address this, I support the critical measures introduced in the Inflation Reduction Act, which include capping the cost of insulin for seniors at $35 a month, cracking down on hidden junk fees, and providing free vaccines for illnesses such as shingles and RSV. Additionally, giving Medicare the power to negotiate lower drug prices, capping the cost of inhalers at $35, and ensuring drug companies pay back consumers if they raise prices more than inflation are essential steps towards making medications more affordable and accessible. These measures are designed to protect patients from financial hardship and ensure that life-saving medications are within reach for everyone.

Furthermore, the Inflation Reduction Act also tackles the manipulation of the prescription drug patent system, which keeps prices artificially high, and introduces a cap on annual out-of-pocket prescription drug costs at $2,000 starting next year. These provisions are long overdue and provide much-needed relief to patients who struggle with the burden of high medication costs. By supporting these initiatives, I am committed to promoting fairness in healthcare, holding drug companies accountable, and ensuring that every American has access to the medications they need without facing financial ruin.

Drug Price Negotiations

I firmly support lifting the ban on Medicare drug price negotiations and advocate for extending this capability to cover all Americans, including the uninsured. It is unacceptable that in the United States, a country at the forefront of medical innovation, our citizens are forced to pay some of the highest prices in the world for prescription drugs.

Currently, Medicare, which serves millions of our seniors and disabled individuals, is prohibited by law from negotiating drug prices directly with pharmaceutical companies. This policy has long favored the pharmaceutical industry at the expense of our citizens. It’s time for this to change. I believe that by empowering Medicare to negotiate drug prices, we can leverage the purchasing power of the government to secure lower prices, not just for Medicare beneficiaries, but for every American, including those without insurance.

This position isn’t just about reducing costs; it’s about expanding access to essential medications for all, ensuring no one has to choose between filling a prescription and paying for other basic necessities. It’s about fairness, equity, and the basic health security of our people.

I will push for legislation that removes the current barriers to Medicare’s ability to negotiate drug prices. Furthermore, I will work to ensure that these negotiated prices are available to every American, providing immediate relief to millions currently struggling with high drug costs. This policy will not only help in reducing our national healthcare expenditure but also ensure that healthcare in America is a right, not a privilege dictated by economic status.

Protect & Expand Medicare

While I champion Medicare for All as the model for our ultimate goal, I’m dedicated to immediate enhancements to Medicare. This includes expanding coverage to include essential vision and hearing services, lowering the eligibility age to 60, and ensuring Medicare has the power to negotiate lower drug prices.

Protect & Strengthen Social Security

I stand firmly against any attempts to privatize Social Security. Our commitment is to ensure the ultra-wealthy pay their fair share, safeguarding and enhancing benefits for all, especially our seniors.