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, Senators need to hear from you about passing H.R.5378 – 118th Congress: Lower Costs, More Transparency Act. And encourage your senators to take it up in the Senate as soon as possible.
This bi-partisan legislation passed the House in December, 2023. H.R.5378 – 118th Congress (2023-2024): Lower Costs, More Transparency Act aims to lower costs and create more transparency to PMS and the services they deliver. It will; Passed House (12/11/2023). H.R. 5378 aims to;
LOOK UP YOUR U.S. SENATORS [Click HERE, use drop down menu to find your state]
ARE YOUR SENATORS ALREADY A SPONSOR OF THE BILL? Look up sponsors here.
If your Senator(s) is already a sponsor: (Senate sponsors still pending).
[Script:] Hello, my name is [First Name, Last Name]. I live in [city/town]. I’m calling today to thank Senator X for joining as a sponsor to H.R. 5378: Lower Costs, More Transparency Act. I’m very grateful that Democrats helped pass a bipartisan bill to address transparency of PBMs for people with all insurances. People of all ages need more affordable prescriptions. Thanks for being willing to hold PBMs accountable to get affordable healthcare for millions more people.
If your Senator 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 Senator Y if he would consider joining as a sponsor on the [H.R. 5378]. 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. Across the political spectrum, lawmakers are eager to make progress on regulating PBMs to lower drug costs for consumers, so despite a very polarized legislative context, PBM reform has a good chance at passage. Rooting out waste, grift, and inefficiency in every stage of the prescription drug process and system can only help with savings and access that will benefit millions. We, the patients, should not 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 my Senator 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 PBMs FACTSHEET HERE.
Sample E-Alert:
SUBJECT: [TAKE ACTION] Tell YOUR Senators in Congress We Need Transparency and Accountability for PBMs Now. The House passed the bi-partisan bill, H.R. 5378. We need the senate to do the same.
Across the political spectrum, lawmakers are eager to make progress on regulating PBMs to lower drug costs for consumers, so despite a very polarized legislative context, PBM reform has a good chance at passage now through the senate building on the work in the House with H.R. 5378.
Rooting out waste, grift, and inefficiency in every stage of the prescription drug process and system can only help with savings and access that will benefit millions.
Contact your Senators today at 202-224-3121 and tell him/her to support H.R. 5378 Lowering Costs, More Transparency Act passed the House with bi-partisan support in mid-Dec 2023 and now we need the Senate to take it up to pass this comprehensive package.
Look up your U.S. Senators HERE.
Call 202-224-3121 today and urge your elected Senators 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.
