As Health Care Debate Shifts, Senator Baldwin and Senate Colleagues Lead Milestone Effort to Bring Down Prescription Drug Prices

Press Release

In the wake of Congressional Republicans' failed attempt to rip health coverage away from millions of Americans, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin and a key group of Senate Democrats launched a major push to improve the Affordable Care Act (ACA) by bringing down the skyrocketing price of prescription drugs, one of the main reasons why health care costs are rising.

An overwhelming majority of Americans agree that prescription drug prices are too high and that we need action to lower prices. The Improving Access to Affordable Prescription Drugs Act would help ensure that drug companies put patients before profits and bring some much-needed relief to families and seniors, including many who have had to make the impossible choice between paying for a life-saving drug and putting food on the table.

"We all know what the problem is, so let's work together on a solution. Washington needs to work across party lines, take on drug corporations, and act on soaring prescription drug prices," said Senator Baldwin. "If we advance reforms that strengthen accountability for pharmaceutical companies, allow Medicare to bargain for lower prices and give families access to safe imported drugs, we will increase choice and competition. This legislation is a perfect opportunity for us to make a strong commitment to our families that we are ready to work to lower health costs for all Americans."

"We need to bring down prescription drug prices. No American should have to skip meals or turn off their heat in order to afford needed medications," said Senator Franken. "But right now, that's exactly what's happening. Companies are putting profits before people and setting prices far beyond the reach of Minnesotans, which is driving up costs. Our comprehensive legislation will bring down prescription drug prices. We are working on real solutions to address real problems facing Americans. I strongly urge Congress, and the President--who has committed to addressing drug prices--to make this legislative package a top priority."

"It's been suggested in the last week that lawmakers should 'move on' from healthcare," said Senator Klobuchar. "But we can't walk away when families are forced to decide between buying food and filling a prescription, or paying the mortgage and taking a drug as prescribed. I've introduced multiple bills to bring down costs of prescription drugs by making it easier for generics to enter the market, bringing in competition from Canada, and letting Medicare Part D negotiate for lower prices. I'll continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get these passed and signed into law. This legislative package my colleagues and I introduced today includes several of these measures, including my bill to crack down on anti-competitive pay-for-delay pharmaceutical deals that would help ensure Americans can fill the prescriptions they need at prices they can afford. We aren't walking away. We are digging in."

This important legislative package, which is supported by a wide range of organizations and patient advocacy groups, was introduced today by Senators Al Franken (D-MN), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Tom Udall (D-NM), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Cory Booker (D-NJ).

The landmark proposal, which the Senators said they want to see included in upcoming legislative debates, seeks to tackle prescription drug costs by increasing transparency and accountability, boosting access and affordability of key drugs, spurring innovation, and increasing choice and competition.

You can read more about the legislation by clicking here or reading below. A companion bill was introduced in the House of Representatives by Representatives Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Elijah Cummings (D-MD), Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) and Peter Welch (D-VT).

The Senators' legislation is supported by The American Medical Student Association (AMSA), AFSCME, Housing Works, MoveOn, National Committee to Preserve Social Security & Medicare, National Physicians Alliance, Other98, PFAM: People of Faith for Access to Medicines, Public Citizen, Social Security Works, Universities Allied for Essential Medicines (UAEM), AFT, Doctors for America, Center for Medicare Advocacy and Alliance for Retired Americans.

Source