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Dental, hearing and vision care
hangs in the balance |
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Dear John,
As negotiations continue in Congress on a final budget reconciliation package — otherwise known as President Biden’s Build Back Better Plan — the National Committee is keeping a close eye on key provisions affecting older Americans.
As final details are made to the bill, pressure continues to mount to scale back proposals that are critical to the health and well-being of older Americans, including adding dental, vision, and hearing coverage to Medicare — and allowing the Medicare program to negotiate prescription drug prices with Big Pharma.
Given that many older Americans cannot currently afford their medications, we believe drug pricing reforms that at the very least cap drug price increases at the rate of inflation and pegging some prices to what other countries pay for drugs would be a step in the right direction and provide some much-needed relief.
Yet, without significant drug pricing reforms that allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices directly with pharmaceutical companies, it will be difficult to pay for a much-needed expansion of Medicare to cover dental, hearing and vision care. That’s why we are continuing to urge lawmakers to reject pressure by Big Pharma to maintain the status quo and protect their huge profits by supporting Medicare price negotiation.
With a new deadline of October 31, 2021, set by House leadership on finalizing the reconciliation bill, the National Committee will continue to keep you updated on this debate that could impact current and future benefits. Older Americans have waited a long time for these vital improvements to Medicare, so please stay tuned on how you can help us push this important bill over the finish line in Congress in the days ahead.
Sincerely,
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Max Richtman
President & CEO
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