AARP California and Senator Feinstein Speak Out on Need for Lower Prescription Drug Prices

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 28, 2022

CONTACT:

Mark Beach

916-556-3015

mbeach@aarp.org

AARP California and Senator Feinstein Speak Out About Need for Lower Prescription Drug Prices

Four Million Americans, Including 391,000 Californians Signed AARP Petition Calling on Congress to Act

Los Angeles—Today AARP California State Advocacy Director Rafi Nazarians, and AARP volunteers Carlos Medina, Christine Rodriguez, Doretha McCoy, and Thanos Trezos visited Senator Feinstein’s office to highlight the need for Congress to lower prescription drug prices. During the event, AARP California delivered a petition signed by 391,000 Californians calling for Congress to act now and stop unfair drug prices. AARP has called for fair drug prices for years and supports legislation that passed the House in November, which would allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices, put a cap on out-of-pocket costs that older adults pay for their prescription drugs and impose penalties on drug companies that raise prices faster than the rate of inflation.

“Americans are fed up with paying three times what people in other countries pay for the same drugs. More than four million people across the country, including 391,000 here in California, are joining AARP to demand lower prices for prescription drugs,” said Nancy McPherson, AARP California State Director. “There will never be a better time to lower drug prices than the historic opportunity in front of Congress. Now it’s time to get it done!”

Lowering prescription drug prices has widespread support among voters, regardless of their party affiliation. An AARP survey of voters found that strong majorities of voters want Congress to act on the issue, with 70% saying it is very important. The survey also found that 87% of voters support allowing Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices.

“Americans spend more on prescription drugs than anyone else in the world, and the consequences are often harmful to millions. Prescription medications have become so expensive that an estimated 30 percent of Americans don’t take their prescribed medicine, skip a dose or take a partial dose, according to a Kaiser Family Foundation study. Congress is working on a number of actions to lower prescription drug costs. Those include giving Medicare authority to negotiate drug costs and expanding premium subsidies for health care received through the Affordable Care Act,” said Senator Feinstein. “I strongly support efforts to rein in high medical costs. Congress must step up and help families afford their medications, and I look forward to continue working to resolve this critical issue.”

More information about AARP’s Fair Drug Prices campaign can be found at aarp.org/rx.

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About AARP AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @AARP and @AARPadvocates on social media.