***MEDIA ADVISORY FOR MONDAY, APRIL 3***
Phoenix, AZ — On Monday, April 3, 2023, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra will travel to Phoenix, Arizona for two press conferences. At the first event, Secretary Becerra will tour and hold a press conference at Melrose Pharmacy, where he’ll be joined by Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03), and local stakeholders. At the second event, Secretary Becerra will tour Ability 360, participate in a panel discussion, and hold a press conference with local stakeholders.
At 11:00 AM MST, the Secretary and Mayor Gallego will begin their visit by touring Melrose Pharmacy. Following the tour, Secretary Becerra will deliver remarks about the work of the Biden-Harris Administration to implement President Biden’s new lower cost prescription drug law (the Inflation Reduction Act), one of the most consequential health care laws since the Affordable Care Act was signed into law. Following remarks, the Secretary, Mayor, and Representative along with local stakeholders, will host a press availability from 11:33 AM MST – 11:45 AM MST.
Thanks to President Biden’s new lower cost prescription drug law, a month’s supply of each Medicare-covered insulin is capped at $35, and recommended, preventive vaccines are now free for people with Medicare prescription drug coverage. Furthermore, for the first time, the law allows Medicare to negotiate better prices for select prescription drugs. The Inflation Reduction Act is delivering lower prescription drug costs, making health insurance more affordable, and making the economy work for working families.
At the second event, Secretary Becerra will tour Ability 360 and participate in a panel discussion with local stakeholders. The panel will discuss efforts to expand access to quality health care, strengthen Medicaid, and promote equity. Additionally, on site, Navigators will be updating contact information for community attendees. Following remarks, the Secretary along with local stakeholders will host a press availability from 2:50 PM- 3:00 PM.
Melrose Pharmacy Inflation Reduction Act Press Conference
WHO:
HHS Secretary Becerra
Teresa Dickinson, Owner, Melrose Pharmacy
Kate Gallego, Mayor of Phoenix
Rep Ruben Gallego (AZ-03)
Marco Mendoza, Benefits Assistance Program Director, Area Agency on Aging, Region One
Laura Keller, Managing Director of Advocacy, American Diabetes Association
Dora Vasquez, Senior & Executive Director, Arizona Alliance for Retired Americans
WHERE: Melrose Pharmacy, 706 W. Montecito Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85013
WHEN: Monday, April 3, 2023 at 11:00 AM MST
PRESS: RSVP to Adrian Eng ([email protected])
Arizona Public Health Emergency Medicaid Unwinding Press Conference
WHO:
HHS Secretary Becerra
Chris Rodriguez, President & CEO, Ability360
Matt Jewett, Health Policy Director, Children’s Action Alliance
Claudia Maldonado, Director of Outreach and Enrollment, Arizona Alliance for Community Health Centers
Carmen Heredia, Director, Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS)
WHERE: Ability360, 5025 E. Washington St., Conference Center, Phoenix, AZ 85034
WHEN: Monday, April 3, 2023 at 1:30 PM MST
PRESS: RSVP to Adrian Eng ([email protected])