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Protect Our Care, Elected Officials, Advocates Call for Congressional Action to Lower Prescription Drug Prices

U.S. Representatives Frank Pallone (D-NJ-06), Tom O’Halleran (D-AZ-01), Darren Soto (D-FL-09), Headlined Events in Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Maine, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, West Virginia

In the last week, Protect Our Care organized nine events nationwide featuring House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone (D-NJ-06), U.S. Representatives Tom O’Halleran (D-AZ-01) and Darren Soto (D-FL-09), state and local elected officials, and health care storytellers to emphasize the impact of high prescription drug prices and to call for Congress to take action on this urgent issue. Dr. Al Gross will headline an event in Alaska later today.

In 2019, House Democrats passed the Lower Drug Costs Now Act (H.R. 3), bold legislation to give Medicare the power to negotiate for lower drug costs — the single most effective measure to bring down drug prices. In April, House Democrats reintroduced this legislation, giving Congress another opportunity to lower prescription drug costs, and meet the demands of voters.

Highlights and coverage from Protect Our Care’s events:

ARIZONA

Thursday, April 29, 2021 — Lower Rx Drug Costs Virtual Event with Rep. Tom Halleran, State Rep. Fernandez, AZ Public Health Association, and Advocates: Congressman Tom O’Halleran, Representative Charlene Fernandez, Arizona Public Health Association Executive Director Will Humble, and Max Fisher, a Tucson Resident and Type 1 Diabetes Patient, joined Protect Our Care Arizona for a virtual press conference to call on Congress to take action to lower prescription drug costs for Americans. For too long the system has been rigged in favor of drug companies, and it’s time to put patients, not profits, first. Lowering prescription drug costs remains a priority for Arizonans and patients across the country. “Skyrocketing costs for prescription drugs have forced Arizona seniors, veterans, and families to make a choice between life-saving medications and putting food on the table,” Congressman O’Halleran said. “There is no reason hard-working Americans should pay three or four times more for their drugs than the same drugs in other countries. That was highlighted by the President in his speech last night.” You can watch the event here.

FLORIDA

Friday, May 7, 2021 — Lower Rx Drug Costs Virtual Event with Rep. Darren Soto, State Rep. Janet Cruz, and Advocates: Rep. Darren Soto (D-FL-09), State Senator Janet Cruz (SD-18), and local advocates joined Protect Our Care Florida for a virtual press conference to call on Congress to take action to lower prescription drug costs for Americans. On the call, legislators and local patient advocates will make the case that for too long the system has been rigged in favor of drug companies, and it’s time to put patients, not profits, first. You can watch the event here.

GEORGIA

Thursday May 6, 2021 — Lower Rx Drug Costs Virtual Event with State Rep. Matthew Wilson and Advocates: State Representative Matthew Wilson and Nedra Fortson, a nurse practitioner,  joined Protect Our Care Georgia for a virtual press conference to call on Congress to take action to lower prescription drug costs for Americans. For too long the system has been rigged in favor of drug companies, and it’s time to put patients, not profits, first. Lowering prescription drug costs remains a priority for Georgians and patients across the country. “We have Georgians that are taking their healthcare into their own hands against the advice of their doctors all because they cannot afford to fill their prescription drugs, said State Representative Matthew Wilson, “Fortunately, we have a common-sense solution sitting right in front of us, H.R. 3, that would allow Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices. And studies have shown that this is the most effective thing we can do to lower drug prices. It’s an easy fix. But it requires bold leadership.” You can watch the event here.

MAINE

Thursday May 6, 2021 — Lower Rx Drug Costs Press Call with Sen. President Troy Jackson, National Alliance for Mental Health Maine, and Advocates: Maine Senate President Troy Jackson, health care providers and local advocates will join Protect Our Care Maine for a press call to urge Congress to take action to lower prescription drug costs for Americans. For too long the system has been rigged in favor of drug companies, and it’s time to put patients, not profits, first. Lowering prescription drug costs remains a priority for Mainers and patients across the country. Senate President Troy Jackson stressed that, “Our elected officials in Congress should be pushing back all the time against the greed of big Pharma.” He went on to say that, “We’ve taken it on here in [the] Maine [legislature]…and the idea is to get these state bills passed and keep coming down on Washington, with more and more states putting these bills in to where they finally are so embarrassed and go ahead and do the right thing.[…] It’s way past time. They are making money hand over fist, the greed of Pharma is uncontrolled and it’s affecting everyday Americans to the point where this is a national crisis.[…] Enough is enough.” You can listen to the call here.

Coverage:

Maine Public Radio: Mainers Pushing for Federal Law That Would Allow Medicare to Negotiate Lower Drug Prices

NEW JERSEY

Tuesday, May 4, 2021 — Lower Rx Drug Costs Virtual Event with Rep. Frank Pallone and Advocates: Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ-06), Dr. Aakash Shah, an emergency medicine physician, and Gretchen Landenburger, 68, a Medicare patient from Cape May, joined Protect Our Care New Jersey for a virtual press conference to call on Congress to take action to lower prescription drug costs for Americans. For too long the system has been rigged in favor of drug companies, and it’s time to put patients, not profits, first. “Americans pay more for prescription drugs than any other country in the world, and as a result too many New Jerseyans do not take their medications because of high costs,” said Rep. Pallone, chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. “This legislation will dramatically rein in costs by finally empowering the federal government to negotiate fair prescription drug prices with Big Pharma. It will also decrease consumers’ out-of-pocket costs and reduce Medicare and private health insurance premiums. This historic legislation finally levels the playing field, and I look forward to working with the Biden Administration to pass it into law.” You can watch the event here.

Coverage:
The Hill: Pallone Commits to Using ‘Whatever Vehicle I Can’ to Pass Democrats’ Drug Pricing Bill
Bloomberg Law: Drug Pricing Bill Could Be Added to Infrastructure, Pallone Says
New Jersey Spotlight News: Pallone Pushes Legislation Aimed at Lowering Prescription Drug Prices
Insider NJ: Pallone and Local Health Advocates Call on Congress to Lower Prescription Drug Prices for New Jerseyans
CBS 3 (CBS Philadelphia): NJ Congressman Hosts Virtual Call Calling on Congress to Lower Prescription Drug Prices

NORTH CAROLINA

Friday, May 7, 2021 — Lower Rx Drug Costs Virtual Event with State. Sen. Wiley Nickel, Little Lobbyists, and Advocates: State Senator Wiley Nickel, Little Lobbyists’ Stacy Staggs, and local advocates joined Protect Our Care North Carolina for a virtual press conference to call on Congress to take action to lower prescription drug costs for Americans. For too long the system has been rigged in favor of drug companies, and it’s time to put patients, not profits, first. You can watch the event here.

OHIO

Thursday May 6, 2021 — Lower Rx Drug Costs Virtual Event with State Rep. Allison Russo, Insulin for all Ohio, and Advocates: Ohio State Representative Allison Russo, John Kennedy with Insulin for All Ohio, and advocate Lourdes Barroso de Padilla joined Protect Our Care Ohio and For Our Future Ohio for a virtual press conference to call on Congress to take action to lower prescription drug costs for Americans. “I have been a type 1 diabetic going on 30 years now. To me, lowering the cost of prescription drugs, including insulin, is a moral issue,” said John Kennedy of Insulin for All Ohio, who then showed a vial of Insulin and remarked, “25 years ago, I could go into any pharmacy and buy a vial of insulin off the shelf for around 25 dollars. Today, without insurance, it would cost me between 250 and 350 dollars. That’s outrageous. As a result of that cost, one in four type 1 diabetics have had to ration their insulin supply, which leads to a lot of preventable complications and hospitalizations. In many cases, it has led to death. Congress is taking up the issue with HR 3. This bill, no doubt, will save lives.” You can watch the event here.

Coverage:

Statehouse News Bureau: Democrats Urge Congress to Pass Bill They Say Would Lower Drug Price

WTOL (CBS Toledo): Ohio Leaders, Advocates Call on Congress to Take Action to Lower Prescription Drug Costs for All Americans

WEWS (ABC Cleveland): Ohio Leaders and Advocates to Call for Congressional Action to Lower Prescription Drug Prices

WEST VIRGINIA

Thursday May 6, 2021 — Lower Rx Drug Costs Virtual Event with West Virginians for Affordable Healthcare, WV Citizen Action Group, Storytellers, and Advocates: West Virginia health care advocates and storytellers joined Protect Our Care, WV for a virtual press conference calling on Congress to take action to lower prescription drug costs for Americans. For too long the system has been rigged in favor of drug companies, and it’s time to put patients, not profits, first. “So many West Virginians are struggling just to keep a roof over their head and put food on their tables. They shouldn’t have to ration or go without life saving medications because they can’t afford them,” said Rusty Williams. Rusty is Kanawha County cancer survivor who advocates for accessible, affordable healthcare and lower prescription drug prices. You can watch the event here.

Coverage:

WOWK (CBS Huntington): West Virginians Call on Congress to Help Lower Prescription Drug Prices

WVNS (FOX Lewisburg): West Virginians Call on Congress to Help Lower Prescription Drug Prices

Upcoming event:

ALASKA:

Friday, May 7 at 10:00 am AKT, Dr. Al Gross, Joni Bruner, and Casey Kasort will join Protect Our Care Alaska for a virtual press conference to call on Congress to take action to lower prescription drug costs for Americans. For too long the system has been rigged in favor of drug companies, and it’s time to put patients, not profits, first. You can register for the event here.

protectourcare
In Stories

HEADLINES: ACA Enrollment Continues to Surge During President Biden’s Special Enrollment Period

Nearly One Million People Have Signed Up for Coverage Since February. 

The Biden administration announced that 940,000 Americans signed up for insurance through the Affordable Care Act Marketplace between February 15 and April 30. Importantly, many of  these enrollees have been able to take advantage of the dramatic savings under the American Rescue Plan, with the average monthly premiums falling to $86 for those signing up in April. Another two million enrollees that signed up before the American Rescue Plan’s subsidies took effect returned to the Marketplace and saw their premiums cut by 40 percent. Coverage makes clear that the success of the special enrollment period builds momentum as the Biden administration seeks to make the American Rescue Plan’s subsidies permanent. 

HEADLINES

New York Times: Nearly One Million People Signed Up For Obamacare Coverage This Spring. “A total of 940,000 people enrolled in Obamacare coverage between Feb. 15 and April 30, new data released Thursday by Health and Human Services shows. Of those new enrollees, nearly half bought coverage last month, after Congress added billions in subsidies included in the most recent stimulus package. With that additional funding, the average monthly premium that Healthcare.gov consumers paid fell to $86 for those signing up in April, down from $117 in February and March (before the new subsidies).” [New York Times, 5/6/21] 

  • New York Times: “The Surge In Sign-Ups Reflects A Growing Demand For Health Insurance.” “The surge in sign-ups reflects a growing demand for health insurance. Many Americans have lost job-based coverage during the pandemic, and others who were uninsured before found themselves newly interested in coverage. The numbers undercount the overall new insurance sign-ups; they reflect enrollment only in the 36 states with marketplaces that the federal government manages.” [New York Times, 5/6/21] 

Axios: Enrollment Surge May Help Democrats’ Push For ACA Changes. “Democrats’ big investments in the Affordable Care Act appear to be paying off.Driving the news: Almost 1 million Americans have signed up for ACA coverage since February, roughly half of them in April alone, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services said yesterday. Why it matters: The strong enrollment numbers could help Democrats make the case that some of their changes to the ACA should become permanent.” [Axios, 5/7/21] 

  • Larry Levitt, Executive Vice President At The Kaiser Family Foundation, Said “The Success Of The ACA Enrollment Period…Has Political Significance For The Biden Administration, Looking To Build Support For A Permanent Increase In Premium Subsidies.” “‘The success of the ACA enrollment period has significance for the people who get newly covered or see their premiums or deductibles go down. It also has political significance for the Biden Administration, looking to build support for a permanent increase in premium subsidies,’ KFF executive vice president Larry Levitt tweeted.” [Axios, 5/7/21] 
  • On Average, New Enrollees Are Paying 25 Percent Less In Premiums Than Those Who Enrolled Before The American Rescue Plan’s Subsidies Took Effect. “People who enrolled after April 1 are paying, on average, 25% less in premiums than people who signed up in February or March. Deductibles were about 90% lower for people who signed up after the bigger subsidies took effect.” [Axios, 5/7/21] 
  • Two Million People Have Seen Their Premiums Fall By 40 Percent On Average After Going Back To The Marketplace And Recalculating Their Subsidies. “About 2 million people have seen their premiums fall after going back through the system to recalculate their costs after April 1, CMS said. The average savings for that group was 40%.” [Axios, 5/7/21] 

CNN: Almost A Million People Signed Up For Obamacare Coverage Through April After Biden Reopened Exchanges. “Almost a million people signed up for 2021 health insurance coverage on the federal Affordable Care Act exchange during the first 10 weeks of President Joe Biden’s special enrollment period, according to data released Thursday from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. That’s well over double the number who turned to the exchange in the same period over the past two years, when enrollment was limited to those losing job-based policies and experiencing other major life events, such as divorce.” [CNN, 5/6/21] 

  • More Than 250,00 People Seeking Coverage During The SEP Have Found They Are Eligible For Medicaid. “Another 257,000 people seeking coverage during the special enrollment period were found to be eligible for Medicaid.” [CNN, 5/6/21] 
  • Two Million People Returned To The Marketplace And Saw Their Monthly Premiums Drop From $100 To $57 On Average. “About 1.9 million Obamacare enrollees returned to the federal exchange last month to take advantage of the heftier premium subsidies contained in the Democrats’ $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package. The assistance, which became available on April 1, has reduced monthly premiums by more than 40% — from $100 to $57, on average.” [CNN, 5/6/21] 
  • New Enrollees Saw Average Deductibles Fall By Nearly 90 Percent, From $450 To $50. “Also, the larger subsidies are enabling customers to sign up for plans with more generous benefits and lower out-of-pocket costs. The typical deductible for new consumers fell by nearly 90% to $50, from $450 for those selecting policies prior to April 1. Many of them likely have lower incomes and are eligible for additional cost-sharing subsidies.” [CNN, 5/6/21] 

The Hill: Nearly 940,000 Sign Up For ObamaCare Coverage In Special Enrollment. “The total number of new enrollees represents a jump from the more than 500,000 people who signed up for coverage by the end of March. The Biden administration implemented the special enrollment period to allow people who needed health insurance due to the disruption of the pandemic to have extra time to sign up. The period is slated to last until Aug. 15, meaning the number of enrollees could balloon even more” [The Hill, 5/6/21] 

Modern Healthcare: HealthCare.gov Sign-Ups Spike During Special Enrollment. “Nearly one million people have signed up for insurance through HealthCare.gov and premiums have fallen for many enrollees during the current special enrollment period, according to HHS on Thursday…The Biden plan also included expanding tax credits that would lower enrollees’ premiums. HHS said those tax credits lowered new enrollees’ average monthly premiums by 25%, and approximately 2 million people who returned to the exchanges saw 40% premium reductions. The median deductible for those selecting plans during the special enrollment period fell by 90%.” [Modern Healthcare, 5/6/21] 

MSNBC: Biden’s ACA Special Enrollment Period Continues To Pay Off. “Note, of the nearly 940,000 American consumers who’ve taken advantage of the special enrollment period, roughly half signed up for ACA coverage in the month of April…What’s more, this good news coincides with the expansive new ACA benefits included in the Democrats’ COVID relief package: Some will see their premiums cut in half, while millions will see their premiums fall to literally zero, thanks entirely to the investments in the American Rescue Plan.” [MSNBC, 5/6/21] 

Axios: Biden Administration Announces 940,000 ACA Sign-Ups So Far This Year. “There was a surge in sign-ups of about 470,000 people in the month of April alone. New subsidies and stimulus began April 1. By the numbers: Since April 1, premiums have decreased by an average of more than 40%, from $100 to $57, for almost 2 million enrollees, according to the Health and Human Services Department.” [Axios, 5/6/21]

protectourcare
In News

TODAY: Protect Our Care to Host Events in Alaska, Florida, and North Carolina with Elected Officials and Health Care Advocates Calling for Congressional Action to Lower Prescription Drug Prices

Washington, DC — On Friday, May 7, 2021, U.S. Representative Darren Soto (D-FL-09), local elected officials and advocates will join Protect Our Care in Alaska, Florida, and North Carolina for virtual press conferences to call on Congress to take action to lower prescription drug costs for Americans. For too long the system has been rigged in favor of drug companies, and it’s time to put patients, not profits, first. Lowering prescription drug costs remains a priority for Alaskans, Floridians, and North Carolinians, and patients across the country. 

New polling shows that after addressing COVID-19, the top issue for voters is lowering health and drug costs, and 93% support giving Medicare the power to negotiate with drug companies for lower prices. In 2019, House Democrats passed the Lower Drug Costs Now Act (H.R. 3), bold legislation to give Medicare the power to negotiate for lower drug costs — the single most effective measure to bring down drug prices. In April, House Democrats reintroduced this legislation, giving Congress another opportunity to lower prescription drug costs, and meet the demands of voters.

FRIDAY EVENTS

FLORIDA

WHO:
U.S. Representative Darren Soto (D-FL-09)
State Sen. Janet Cruz
Meredith Ross, prescription drug pricing advocate
Christopher Clark, prescription drug pricing advocate
Emmabella Rudd, prescription drug pricing advocate

WHAT: Congressman Darren Soto, State Senator Janet Cruz, and Advocates Join Protect Our Care Florida to Call on Congress to Take Action to Lower Prescription Drug Costs for Americans

WHERE: Register for the Event Here

WHEN: Friday, May 7 at 10:00 AM ET

NORTH CAROLINA

WHO:
State Sen. Wiley Nickel
Stacy Staggs, President of Little Lobbyists North Carolina
Elke Millan, business owner who experienced high drug costs

WHAT: North Carolinians Call for Congressional Action to Lower Prescription Drug Prices

WHERE: Register for the Event Here

WHEN: Friday, May 7 at 10:00 AM ET

ALASKA

WHO:
Dr. Al Gross, orthopedic surgeon, 2020 U.S. Senate Candidate in Alaska
Joni Bruner, Alaska Grassroots Alliance, Member of the Alaska March On board
Kasey Casort, community organizer, lower drug cost advocate

WHAT: Dr. Al Gross and Advocates Join Protect Our Care Alaska to Call for Congressional Action to Lower Prescription Drug Prices

WHERE: Register for the Event Here

WHEN: Friday, May 7 at 10:00 AM AKT // 3:00 PM ET

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In News

TODAY Protect Our Care to Host Events in WV, OH, GA, ME with Elected Officials and Health Care Advocates Calling for Congressional Action to Lower Prescription Drug Prices

***MEDIA ADVISORY FOR THURSDAY, MAY 6, 2021***

TODAY: Protect Our Care to Host Events in WV, OH, GA, ME with Elected Officials and Health Care Advocates Calling for Congressional Action to Lower Prescription Drug Prices

Washington, DC — On Thursday, May 6, 2021 elected officials and local advocates will join Protect Our Care in West Virginia, Ohio, Georgia, and Maine for virtual press conferences to call on Congress to take action to lower prescription drug costs for Americans. For too long the system has been rigged in favor of drug companies, and it’s time to put patients, not profits, first. Lowering prescription drug costs remains a priority for West Virginians, Ohioans, Georgians, Mainers, and patients across the country. 

New polling shows that after addressing COVID-19, the top issue for voters is lowering health and drug costs, and 93% support giving Medicare the power to negotiate with drug companies for lower prices. In 2019, House Democrats passed the Lower Drug Costs Now Act (H.R. 3), bold legislation to give Medicare the power to negotiate for lower drug costs — the single most effective measure to bring down drug prices. In April, House Democrats reintroduced this legislation, giving Congress another opportunity to lower prescription drug costs, and meet the demands of voters.

THURSDAY EVENTS

WEST VIRGINIA

WHO: 

West Virginians for Affordable Healthcare 

West Virginia Citizen Action Group 

National Association of Social Workers WV

Protect Our Care WV

Mindy Salango, Type 1 diabetic who struggles to afford her insulin

Rusty Williams, cancer survivor who struggles with cost of medications

WHAT: West Virginians Call for Congressional Action to Lower Prescription Drug Prices

WHERE: Register for the Event Here

WHEN: Thursday, May 6, 2021 at 9:30 AM ET

OHIO

WHO:

State Rep. Allison Russo

John Kennedy, Insulin for All Ohio

Lourdes Barroso de Padilla, health care advocate

WHAT: Ohio Leaders and Advocates to Call for Congressional Action to Lower Prescription Drug Prices

WHERE: Register for the Event Here

WHEN: Thursday, May 6 at 11:00 AM ET

GEORGIA

WHO:
State Rep. Matthew Wilson
Whitney Griggs, Georgians for a Healthy Future
Nedra Fortson, MSN, AGPCNP-BC, MBA, RN, Nurse Practitioner
Himali Patel, small business owner reliant on life-saving prescription drugs 

WHAT: Representative Matthew Wilson, Protect Our Care Georgia, and Advocates Call for Congressional Action to Lower Prescription Drug Prices

WHERE: Register to join the Zoom event

WHEN: Thursday, May 6, 11:00 AM ET

MAINE

WHO:

Senate President Troy Jackson
Greg Marley, LCSW, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Maine
Marie Follayttar, Mainers for Accountable Leadership

WHAT: Press Call to Call for Congressional Action to Lower Prescription Drug Prices

WHERE: Dial-in: 877-229-8493; Pin: 114927

WHEN: Thursday, May 6 at 11:00 AM ET

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In News

Education and Labor Subcommittee Hearing Underscores Dire Need to Lower Prescription Drug Prices

Washington, DC — Today, the Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions Subcommittee held a hearing on legislation to lower the price of prescription drugs. During the hearing led by subcommittee Chair Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA-11), lawmakers discussed the urgency of passing the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act (H.R. 3), which would give power to Medicare to negotiate with drug companies for lower drug prices for all Americans. Democrats in the hearing made a strong and compelling case for giving Medicare the power to negotiate, and Republicans went to bat for Big Pharma which is enjoying record profits and is breaking records for the money it’s spending on K Street lobbyists to block any legislation to lower prices for patients. In response, Protect Our Care Chair Leslie Dach issued the following statement:

“Today’s hearing once again makes clear Democrats are committed to lowering drug prices for American families while Republicans are hell-bent on protecting drug company profits. Americans pay three times more for drugs as people in other countries, forcing families to choose between lifesaving prescriptions and other necessities like groceries or rent. H.R. 3 will put an end to the rigged system that allows drug companies to raise the price of existing drugs like insulin year after year, and it will help families save thousands on the medications they need. As the country recovers from the COVID-19 economic and health crisis, American families cannot wait. The time to act is now.” 

BACKGROUND:

Democrats’ Drug Pricing Proposal Would Save Taxpayers Nearly $500 Billion Over The Next 10 Years. Analyses from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office and the CMS Office of the Actuary the bill confirmed it would reduce negotiated drug prices by as much as 55%– saving patients an estimated $158 billion over the next few years and decreasing deficits by $456 billion. 

H.R. 3 Could Save Patients Thousands Of Dollars On Costly Medications. The Center for American Progress calculated average savings for several drugs that would likely meet the criteria for negotiation under H.R. 3. In addition to achieving thousands of dollars in monthly savings on expensive treatments for conditions like cancer and multiple sclerosis, H.R. 3 would help lower the cost of insulin for some diabetics by more than $700 annually. 

Additional information on rising drug costs can be found here: The Time To Act Is Now: Lower Drug Prices For All Americans. 

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In News

NEW MORNING CONSULT POLL: Top 2 Issues Are Health Care Costs & Drug Costs

According to the new Morning Consult/Politico national survey, the top two issues that people think Congress should prioritize are ‘reducing health care costs’ and ‘passing a bill to bring down prescription drug costs.’ Both have more than 85% of voters saying they are a priority and include strong support from Independents and Republicans

TOP TWO ISSUES

Reducing health care costs: 88% (59% top priority)

– 87% (63% top priority) with Independents

– 83% (50% top priority) with Republicans

 

Passing a bill to bring down prescription drug costs: 85% (50% top priority)

– 82% (48% top priority) with Independents

– 82% (46% top priority) with Republicans

 

OTHER ISSUES

Stimulating the economy to recover from the coronavirus pandemic: 84% (59% top priority)

Reducing the federal budget deficit: 77% (41% top priority) 

Passing a health care reform bill: 76% (47% top priority)

Passing an immigration reform bill: 71% (39% top priority)

Passing an infrastructure spending bill: 70% (34% top priority)

Passing a bill to address climate change and its effects: 65% (37% top priority)

Passing a bill to reduce inequality: 61% (34% top priority)

Passing legislation placing additional restrictions on gun ownership: 60% (36% top priority)

Regulating tech companies: 57% (22% top priority)

Passing a bill to provide relief to Americans with student loan debt: 54% (24% top priority)

Eliminating the filibuster in the Senate: 48% (22% top priority)

Passing a bill to legalize marijuana: 43% (19% top priority)

protectourcare
In News

HEADLINES: Chairman Pallone Commits to Using “Whatever Vehicle I Can” to Pass Medicare Negotiation

Yesterday, House Energy and Commerce Chairman Frank Pallone (D-NJ-06) and local health advocates joined Protect Our Care New Jersey for a virtual press conference to call on Congress to take action to lower prescription drug costs for Americans. Lowering prescription drug costs remains a priority for New Jerseyans and patients across the country. 

New polling shows that after addressing COVID-19, the top issue for voters is lowering health and drug costs, and 93% support giving Medicare the power to negotiate with drug companies for lower prices. Coverage confirms that Congressman Pallone and his Democratic colleagues are committed to delivering on their promise to stand up to Big Pharma and finally give Medicare the power to negotiate for lower drug prices for all Americans.

COVERAGE

The Hill: Pallone Commits to Using ‘Whatever Vehicle I Can’ to Pass Democrats’ Drug Pricing Bill. “House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone Jr. (D-N.J.) on Tuesday said he would use ‘whatever vehicle I can’ to pass the Democrats’ drug pricing bill, known as H.R. 3, that would allow the federal government to negotiate for decreased prices on behalf of Medicare. Pallone joined health advocates from Protect Our Care New Jersey in calling for Congress to move forward with H.R. 3, or the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act, to reduce prescription drug prices.” [The Hill, 5/4/21] 

Bloomberg Law: Drug Pricing Bill Could Be Added to Infrastructure, Pallone Says. “Rep. Frank Pallone, chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, says he’s open to including Democrats’ signature drug-pricing negotiation bill in the party’s economic and infrastructure package. Pallone tells reporters he’s ‘going to use whatever vehicle I can to get this done.’” [Bloomberg Law, 5/4/21] 

New Jersey Spotlight News: Pallone Pushes Legislation Aimed at Lowering Prescription Drug Prices. “On Tuesday, Rep. Frank Pallone called on Congress and the Biden administration to make cutting the cost of prescription drugs a top priority. Promoting his reintroduced legislation, the Lower Drug Costs Now Act — which stalled after passing in the House in 2019 — Pallone (D-6th) said the legislation would allow the federal government to negotiate prescription prices for Medicare based on the cost of the same pharmaceutical drugs in other western nations.” [NJ Spotlight News, 5/4/21] 

Insider NJ: Pallone and Local Health Advocates Call on Congress to Lower Prescription Drug Prices for New Jerseyans. “In 2019, House Democrats passed the Lower Drug Costs Now Act (H.R. 3), bold legislation to give Medicare the power to negotiate for lower drug costs — the single most effective measure to bring down drug prices. In April, Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone reintroduced this legislation, giving Congress another opportunity to lower prescription drug costs, and meet the demands of voters.” [Insider NJ, 5/4/21] 

protectourcare
In News

Energy and Commerce Committee Holds Hearing on the Critical Need to Reduce Prescription Drug Prices

Democrats Advocate for Lower Drug Prices As Republicans Go to Bat for Big Pharma 

Washington, DC — Today, the House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee held a hearing on legislation to lower the cost of prescription drugs. The hearing, led by Energy and Commerce Chairman Frank Pallone (D-NJ-06) and Health Subcommittee Chairwoman Anna G. Eshoo (D-CA-18), focused on a number of proposals to bring down drug prices, including the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act (H.R. 3). Democrats in the hearing made a strong and compelling case for giving Medicare the power to negotiate with drug companies for lower prices. Republicans, meanwhile, went to bat for Big Pharma which is enjoying record profits and is breaking records for the money it’s spending on K Street lobbyists to block any legislation to lower prices for patients. In response, Protect Our Care Chair Leslie Dach issued the following statement:

“We commend Chairman Pallone, Chairwoman Eshoo, and House Democrats for holding this important hearing on one of the biggest concerns for American families: the skyrocketing price of prescription drugs. Year after year, we see unjustified price hikes on lifesaving drugs like insulin and, even during the pandemic, drug companies have already raised the prices of more than a thousand medicines. It is unacceptable that Americans have to pay three times as much for drugs as people in other countries and downright wrong that people are forced to choose between taking their medicine and buying their groceries.

“H.R. 3 would finally put an end to Big Pharma’s greed by including the single most effective way to lower drug prices: giving Medicare the power to negotiate on behalf of all Americans. There has never been a more critical time to bring down drug prices, and today’s discussion sends a strong message that Democrats are laser-focused on delivering on their health care promises for the American people.” 

BACKGROUND:

Democrats’ Drug Pricing Proposal Would Save Taxpayers Nearly $500 Billion Over The Next 10 Years. Analyses from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office and the CMS Office of the Actuary the bill confirmed it would reduce negotiated drug prices by as much as 55%– saving patients an estimated $158 billion over the next few years and decreasing deficits by $456 billion. 

H.R. 3 Could Save Patients Thousands Of Dollars On Costly Medications. The Center for American Progress calculated average savings for several drugs that would likely meet the criteria for negotiation under H.R. 3. In addition to achieving thousands of dollars in monthly savings on expensive treatments for conditions like cancer and multiple sclerosis, H.R. 3 would help lower the cost of insulin for some diabetics by more than $700 annually. 

Additional information on rising drug costs can be found here: The Time To Act Is Now: Lower Drug Prices For All Americans. 

protectourcare
In News

Congressman Frank Pallone and Local Health Advocates Call on Congress to Lower Prescription Drug Prices for New Jerseyans

Congressman Frank Pallone (D-NJ-06) and Local Health Advocates Joined Protect Our Care New Jersey for a Virtual Press Conference to Call on Congress to Take Action to Lower Prescription Drug Costs for Americans

NEW JERSEY — Today, Congressman Frank Pallone (D-NJ-06) and local health advocates joined Protect Our Care New Jersey for a virtual press conference to call on Congress to take action to lower prescription drug costs for Americans. For too long the system has been rigged in favor of drug companies, and it’s time to put patients, not profits, first.

Lowering prescription drug costs remains a priority for New Jerseyans and patients across the country. New polling shows that after addressing COVID-19, the top issue for voters is lowering health and drug costs, and 93% support giving Medicare the power to negotiate with drug companies for lower prices.

In 2019, House Democrats passed the Lower Drug Costs Now Act (H.R. 3), bold legislation to give Medicare the power to negotiate for lower drug costs — the single most effective measure to bring down drug prices. In April, Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone reintroduced this legislation, giving Congress another opportunity to lower prescription drug costs, and meet the demands of voters.

“Americans pay more for prescription drugs than any other country in the world, and as a result too many New Jerseyans do not take their medications because of high costs,” Pallone said. “This legislation will dramatically rein in costs by finally empowering the federal government to negotiate fair prescription drug prices with Big Pharma. It will also decrease consumers’ out-of-pocket costs and reduce Medicare and private health insurance premiums. This historic legislation finally levels the playing field, and I look forward to working with the Biden Administration to pass it into law. I want to thank Protect Our Care and everyone who joined us today for highlighting why it’s so important we get this legislation across the finish line.”

Dr. Aakash Shah is an emergency medicine physician in New Jersey.

“I’ll never forget the day a patient asked whether his diabetes or high blood pressure would harm him more. He could only afford to take medications for one but not both, and wanted my advice to help him decide which. He was just one of many who have had to cut pills and skip doses because of their costs and at the expense of their health,” shared Dr. Shah. “As we look to rebuild and recover from this pandemic, our leaders have the chance to change exactly that – to make medications more affordable – by writing a policy prescription that I know my patients need now more than ever.”  

Gretchen Landenburger, 68, is a Medicare patient from Cape May, New Jersey. She is immunocompromised with chronic bronchitis and takes 10 different medications every day, including breathing treatments that can be very time consuming.

“I have been on Medicare since last year, and it doesn’t cover three of the medications I need most, which used to give me freedom from needing to be home for multiple daily treatments,” said Landenburger. “I now have to pay up to $10,000 per year in medications, not including the nearly $4,000 per month medication I need the most, which I simply cannot afford. Something needs to change, and it is time for Congress to lower prescription drug prices.”

You can watch the press conference here, and learn more about how the Lower Drug Costs Now Act (H.R. 3) will make prescription drugs more affordable here.

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Four Years Ago Today: House Republicans Voted to Repeal the Affordable Care Act and the Politics of Health Care Changed Forever

Washington, D.C. — Four years ago, House Republicans took a fateful vote to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which would have ripped coverage away from more than 20 million Americans and protections from 135 million Americans with pre-existing conditions. Four years later, the law is stronger than ever as President Biden is delivering on his promise to build on the health care law and expand access to affordable health care. In response, Protect Our Care Executive Director Brad Woodhouse issued the following statement:

“Elections matter. Republicans paid for this disastrous vote in 2018 when they lost the House and again in 2020 when Democrats took back control of the White House and Senate. President Biden has already made good on his promise to strengthen the ACA by passing the American Rescue Plan, opening a special enrollment period to help people gain coverage during the pandemic, and reversing former President Trump’s efforts to sabotage the health care law. And just last week, President Biden unveiled the American Families Plan which will help millions of people continue to save on their health coverage and called for Congress to give Medicare the power to negotiate with drug companies to lower drug prices for Americans. What a difference four years and a couple of elections make.”

BACKGROUND: 

100 Days In: Joe Biden’s Health Care Presidency

After just 100 days in office, President Biden has proven he is a health care president. In a stark contrast to the past four years of Republican sabotage on health care, President Biden has taken swift action to expand coverage, lower costs, and reduce racial disparities in health care all while working to contain the coronavirus pandemic. President Biden championed the American Rescue Plan to help the country get the pandemic under control, put forth policies that will build on the strong foundation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), opened a special enrollment period to help Americans get coverage, removed barriers to enrolling in Medicaid, and reversed the Trump administration’s dangerous position trying to invalidate the ACA. 

And just last week, President Biden unveiled the American Families Plan, which builds on the historic health care gains of the American Rescue Plan by making its dramatic reduction in health insurance premiums permanent. President Biden also reaffirmed his commitment to giving Medicare the power to negotiate for lower drug prices and lowering the eligibility age of Medicare to get more Americans covered. 

The American Rescue Plan

On March 11, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan into law, historic legislation that includes measures to expand coverage and to dramatically lower health care costs for millions of Americans. The American Rescue plan: 

  • Lowers health care costs for millions by increasing financial assistance in the exchanges for the next two years and making financial assistance more widely available to middle class families, ensuring people purchasing coverage on the ACA marketplaces do pay more than 8.5 percent of their income for coverage. In addition to lowering costs for the nine million people currently receiving financial assistance on the marketplace, the American Rescue Plan makes generous subsidies available to 14.9 million uninsured people, according to estimates from the Biden administration. Experts say as many as 25 million Americans could benefit from these provisions. 
    • Uninsured couples earning more than $70,000 will save $1,000 per month on premiums. 
    • A family of four earning $90,000 will save $200 per month.
    • An individual making $19,000 will not have to pay a monthly premium, saving roughly $66 per month on average.
  • Expands coverage by providing robust financial incentives for the 14 states that have not yet implemented Medicaid expansion. Even after paying for the cost of expansion, these states could receive billions in additional funding that could be used to offset spending in other state programs or budget shortfalls. The Urban Institute estimates that more than 6 million people could enroll in Medicaid coverage if the remaining states implemented expansion. This includes at least 2.4 million people of color, 500,000 people with disabilities and almost a million older Americans who are currently uninsured. 
  • Increases vaccine distribution by investing $160 billion in direct COVID-19 response, including ramping up vaccination efforts, boosting testing, shoring up supplies of PPE, expanding sequencing and analytics efforts, and hiring 100,000 public health workers. This much needed funding will make sure more Americans are able to get vaccinated more quickly, which is key to getting the pandemic under control. Already, more than 230 million doses have been administered — more than doubling the President’s original goal of 100 million shots in 100 days. Roughly 96 million Americans have been fully vaccinated. 
  • Strengthens health care in vulnerable communities by providing health services for underserved populations, including expanding Community Health Centers and investing in health services on tribal lands. These funds will support the expansion of COVID-19 treatment and care as well as provide the vaccine to underserved populations.

Increasing Health Care Access & Prioritizing Health Care Equity 

  • President Biden reopened HealthCare.gov for a special enrollment period to help Americans gain coverage as they continue to suffer from the health and economic impacts of the pandemic. More than 528,000 Americans signed up for insurance through the ACA Marketplace during the first six weeks of the special enrollment period, and 17 percent of sign-ups came from Black Americans. 
  • The Biden administration is investing $50 million in marketing and education efforts during the special enrollment period to reach groups that have historically experienced lower access to health coverage and greater disparities in health outcomes. The administration is also providing a record $80 million in Navigator funding for the 2022 plan year to further boost enrollment.
  • In order to address racial disparities in coverage rates, the administration has re-engaged with partner organizations, such as the NAACP, UnidosUS, and AARP to ensure Black and Latino Americans in particular are able to enroll. 
  • President Biden established a COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force to mitigate the health disparities revealed and exacerbated by the pandemic. 
  • President Biden directed federal agencies to consider actions to strengthen and protect access to health care. 

Reversing Trump Sabotage

  • The Biden administration announced it will defend the Affordable Care Act in California v. Texas, the lawsuit before the Supreme Court to completely dismantle the law. This move reverses the Trump administration’s support for ripping away coverage from more than 20 million Americans and protections for 135 million people with pre-existing conditions.
  • President Biden directed federal agencies to re-examine policies that undermine the ACA and Medicaid. These policies include:
    • Policies that undermine protections for people with pre-existing conditions, including COVID-19
    • ACA and Medicaid waivers that could reduce enrollment, including Medicaid work requirements and block grants 
    • Policies that undermine the ACA Marketplace, like Georgia’s waiver request to pull out of HealthCare.gov with no state-based replacement 
    • Policies that make it more difficult to enroll in the ACA or Medicaid
    • Policies that reduce coverage affordability or limit financial assistance
  • The Biden administration sent letters to states signaling it would end Trump’s disastrous work requirements program. So far, the Biden administration has rescinded permissions for work requirements programs in Michigan, Wisconsin, Arkansas, and New Hampshire. The Biden administration also put on hold Georgia’s limited Medicaid expansion waiver that required recipients to work, which was previously approved by the Trump administration.
  • The Biden administration began rolling back Trump’s gag rule that barred family planning providers from mentioning abortion to patients in order to receive Title X funding. Trump’s rule forced more than 1,000 clinics to leave the program and reduced the provider capacity of the Title X network by nearly half. The Biden administration’s rule will restore essential funding back to these providers, like Planned Parenthood, which offer essential health care services to low-income patients, including STI screenings and contraception. 
  • The Biden administration is reviewing Trump’s expansion of association health plans, which can skirt the ACA’s important protections. 
  • The Biden administration rescinded Trump’s public charge rule, which effectively served as a wealth test for people seeking residency in the United States. Experts point to Trump’s immigration policies, such as the public charge rule, for having deterred many Latino families from obtaining insurance, resulting in steep coverage losses, especially for children.
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