Lower Drug Costs Now Act of 2019
Floor Speech
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Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of H.R. 3, the ``Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drugs Costs Now Act,'' named after my dear friend and colleague Elijah Cummings who passed away earlier this year. I commend the Speaker, Chairman Neal, Chairman Pallone and Chairman Scott for their efforts to bring this historic legislation to the floor today.
For too long Americans have seen prices for prescription drugs rise out of control, to the point where many must make the decision about whether they will spend limited income on their necessary prescriptions, or food, housing and transportation. How is it in the wealthiest country in the world this is happening?
I've heard from many constituents who are indeed facing this very choice.
Patricia, an 88 year old woman in Connecticut said, ``Do I have to lose my rent or stop eating in order to continue breathing? I don't want to end up in a nursing home on oxygen. I am not an ex-smoker. I am the proud daughter of a West Virginia coal miner. Please help me and other poor frail elderly.''
Rosemary from Wethersfield wrote, ``The cost of the Epi-Pen is outrageous. Even with my insurance it is so expensive I couldn't get the prescription filled and took my chances. When I had an allergic reaction I called 911 instead.''
Kevin from Manchester, a young man in his mid-30s who has a job and health insurance, also wrote, ``The annual cost of my medications is about $8,000 . . . I stop taking my medication. My asthma is noticeably worse. I worry that it's only a matter of time until I have a flare up and end up in the hospital.''
H.R. 3 will allow the Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate for better prices on prescription drugs in Medicare, lowering prices for patients in Medicare and the private market.
I have long advocated for negotiation of drug prices and have included it in the Medicare Buy In and Health Stabilization Act introduced with my colleague from New York, Rep. Brian Higgins, and with my colleague from Connecticut, Rep. Joe Courtney.
The bill also caps Medicare beneficiaries' out-of-pocket spending on prescription drugs at $2,000. And for the first time, with the savings from Medicare reimbursement for drugs, we are able to expand Medicare to cover dental, hearing and vision services as a benefit to traditional Medicare. In my district alone, more than 100,000 people will benefit from adding these new services.
It's time we implement these much-needed changes and make prescription drugs more affordable. It's time to pass the Lower Drug Costs Now Act.
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