Statement from Margarida Jorge, head of Lower Drug Prices Now – the leading campaign fighting to lower prescription drug prices – in response to this morning’s inflation report:
This report highlights what we already know: it is far past time for Congress to take immediate action to help lower the costs of everyday things in people’s lives. Congress can and should start with lowering drug prices, a policy that 9 out of 10 voters identify as important in the upcoming elections.
Rising drug prices drive higher health care costs for families, businesses and taxpayers. At the same time, lowering the drug costs through negotiations and limiting out of pocket costs are policies that can garner 218 votes in the House and 50 votes in the Senate right now– enough to pass legislation and actually make medicines more affordable for millions.
Our message to Congress is clear, stop talking about inflation and start acting. Americans have waited long enough for action. Drug prices increased faster than inflation for half of all drugs covered by Medicare in 2020. In 2022, drug corporations have already raised the price on over 800 prescription medicines by more than 5%.
Lowering the price of prescription drugs has been overwhelmingly popular with the public for a while, and Democrats have been running on this issue for years. Victory is within their grasp. Reconciliation is a once in a generation opportunity to get this done. Democrats must not let this opportunity pass. The votes are there. Call the vote. Help lower the costs for families. Do it today.