“Today, House leadership demonstrated what can happen when lawmakers listen to families about their needs. For too long, people have struggled to afford the lifesaving medications they need due to exorbitant drug prices and monopoly practices. Women and families across America are rationing treatment and facing financial hardship due to unaffordable out-of-pocket drug costs and perverse incentives within the pharmaceutical supply chain.

The Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act is an important step in the right direction to address this crisis. The bill would reduce health care costs for seniors and families by allowing the federal government to negotiate lower prescription drug prices. H.R. 3 also makes significant improvements to the Medicare Program by including vision, hearing, and dental coverage – essential services that improve overall health.

People shouldn’t have to choose between their basic needs and their medications Everyone should be able to access, on an equitable, affordable, and safe basis, the medication they need to live healthy and productive lives. We commend House leadership for taking an important step to making that a reality, and we urge the Senate to take action on what is a life and death issue for too many.”