Letter: Medicare negotiation for prescription drugs

A short time ago a study was done confirming 1 in 5 Granite Staters were rationing their prescription medications, taking less than ordered due to unaffordability. And there are numerous stories attesting to the dreadful, permanent consequences some folks suffered because of that. We have also all seen the attack ads sponsored by Pharma that misstate the results of Medicare negotiations for lowered prices. They are threatened by any actions that will interfere with their profits. They claim the exorbitant cost of research and development makes their price levels necessary.

First, their research is largely funded by tax payer dollars and secondly, their profit levels are in the billions after all expenses are considered. They are price gouging. New Hampshire has done some good work passing some prescription drug legislation in recent years. That said, federally we need to do better, too. This is where Medicare negotiation needs to be addressed. We would like to see: 1. Medicare Part D cost caps 2. Penalize companies that raise drug prices faster than inflation 3.Cap out of pocket costs for insulin country-wide 4.Allow Medicare negotiation. We know families across the country are struggling with the cost of medications. Please join AARP in urging our Sens. Shaheen and Hassan to support the passage of comprehensive prescription drug reform in the U.S. Senate that has already passed the House. These common-sense reforms have been promised for years. Let’s get this done!

Bev Cotton

Weare