If we want Congress to take more action to lower drug prices for everyone by passing laws that curb Big Pharma price-gouging and cap out of pocket costs for patients, Representatives need to hear from you about passing H.R. 4895: Lowering Drug Costs for American Families Act.
This legislation builds on the Medicare prescription drug reforms under the Inflation Reduction Act and extends lower negotiated prices, penalties for raising prices faster than inflation and caps on out of pocket costs to millions of people who have private insurance including employer coverage.
LOOK UP YOUR CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVE [Click Link, Enter Zip Code]
IS YOUR REPRESENTATIVE ALREADY A SPONSOR OF THE BILL? Look up sponsors here.
If your Representative is already a sponsor:
[Script:] Hello, my name is [First Name, Last Name]. I live in [city/town]. I’m calling today to thank Representative X for joining as a sponsor to the Lowering Drug Costs for American Families Act. I’m very grateful that Democrats passed Medicare negotiations under the Inflation Reduction Act but I know a lot of people don’t yet qualify for Medicare. People of all ages need more affordable prescriptions. Thanks for being willing to take on the drug corporations to get affordable medicine for millions more people.
If your Representative is NOT a sponsor or has not expressed support:
[Script:] Hello, my name is [First Name, Last Name]. I live in [city/town]. I’m calling today to ask Representative __ if he would consider joining as a sponsor on the Lowering Drug Costs for American Families Act [H.R. 4895]. This bill is important to me because [insert reason or short antidote].
People of all ages are struggling with drug prices even on basic drugs like asthma inhalers and epi-pens. Every year the drug corporations raise their prices on hundreds of medicines and face no consequences for price-gouging. But we, the patients, end up with debt, having to ration medicine or having to choose between paying for a prescription or paying the light bill [or insert your own challenge based on your experience.]
This bill would extend the lower prices that are being implemented in Medicare to people with other kinds of insurance. I would like to know where the Congressman/woman stands on this bill. [pause for reply].
**If the Member’s staff doesn’t know the Member’s position on the bill, make sure you ask for follow up. For example: can you check with your boss on his/her position and then send me a letter or email with a reply?
LDPN FACTSHEET: Lowering Drug Costs for American Families Act
Legislative Action Section by Section: https://democrats-edworkforce.house.gov/imo/media/doc/lowering_drug_costs_for_american_families_act_section_by_section.pdf
Sample E-Alert:
SUBJECT: [TAKE ACTION] Tell YOUR representatives in Congress We Need Lower Drug Costs for All
In 2022, President Biden and Democrats in Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act that included key provisions to lower drug prices in Medicare after decades of Big Pharma price-gouging that left patients at the mercy of profits.
The new law holds drug corporations accountable for raising prices faster than inflation, caps out of pocket costs on prescriptions and finally requires drug corporations to negotiate over prices on some of the most expensive medicines in Medicare. It’s a fantastic first step, but we need more to make medicines truly affordable for everyone who needs them.
Congress must extend the cost-saving improvements under Medicare to people under 65 who have private coverage and employer sponsored coverage but are also struggling to afford coverage.
Contact your Representative today at 202-224-3121 and tell him/her to support H.R. 4895: Lowering Drug Costs for American Families Act. Look up your U.S. Representative here.
Call 202-224-3121 today and urge your elected Representative to take action. We can’t wait for lower drug prices and we can’t trust Big Pharma to put our health ahead of their profits. Congress must take action.
Download this script here.
