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Insider's Report: President Trump Has Broken His Promise to Seniors As a candidate, Donald Trump promised voters that he would allow Medicare to
negotiate drug prices, which would go a long way to reining in soaring
prescription drug costs. In 2016, candidate Trump stated, "when it comes time to negotiate the cost of drugs, we are going to negotiate
like crazy."Yet President Trump has refused to date to follow through on that campaign
promise; and worse, he has come out against Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi's sweeping drug bill [link removed] that includes this important provision.
At a time when high drug costs are forcing many older Americans
to ration their medications or simply forgo the lifesaving drugs they need
altogether, President Trump has so far rejected common sense drug pricing
legislation that has the support of a large number of lawmakers in the House of
Representatives. As you know, large drug companies have a lot of power and
influence in Washington and they're putting enormous pressure on President Trump
and members of Congress to oppose legislation that would cut into their bottom
line (Huge Profits!) and help level the playing field.
A recent report found that nearly eight in ten Americans say the
cost of prescription drugs is unreasonable, with voters from both parties
agreeing that reducing the cost of prescription drugs should be one of Congress'
top priorities. For years, the National Committee has been beating the drum
about seniors' rising health care costs. That's why the National Committee has
launched our nationwide "Don't Cut Pills, Cut Profits" [link removed] campaign.
The National Committee is committed to raising awareness about
this crucial issue among more Americans, the media and our elected officials,
and ultimately building enough support in Congress and the Trump Administration
for legislation that will curb high drug prices and ensure older Americans have
access to affordable, quality prescription drugs. [link removed] Please consider becoming a member now [link removed] to help us keep the pressure on Congress. Your continued support is essential to
the National Committee's mission of protecting your earned benefits. Good Bills
The National Committee endorses the "Medicare Negotiation and Competitive Licensing Act" (H.R. 1046 / S.377), [link removed] introduced by Representative Lloyd Doggett (TX-35) and Senator Sherrod Brown
(OH), which would empower the Secretary of Health & Human Services to directly
negotiate prices for prescription drugs and, in the event negotiations fail,
would allow Medicare to issue a license to another company to produce the drug
at a reasonable cost. (Currently, Medicare is prohibited by lawfrom negotiating with drug companies for lower prices.) This bill would provide
drug companies with a strong incentive to negotiate a reasonable price.
Nobody should have to choose between paying their bills for the basic costs of
living and taking their medication. The National Committee urges Congress to
tackle the issue of rising prescription drug costs. Supporting and ultimately
passing the "Medicare Negotiation and Competitive Licensing Act" would be an
important step toward curbing high drug costs in the Medicare program. Take Our Poll!
Prescription drug prices are out of control — and older Americans are
disproportionately feeling the financial pain at the pharmacy counter. Prices
for the most commonly prescribed drugs for seniors have increased ten times (!)
the rate of inflation since 2013. Medicare beneficiaries pay thousands of
dollars a year in out-of-pocket drug costs they can't afford. Some seniors have
been cutting pills in half or outright skipping doses of lifesaving medications.
Others are forced to choose between medicine and essentials like rent and
groceries. Meanwhile, Big Pharma rakes in record profits. That's not acceptable
in the wealthiest nation on Earth.
Please tell us: Should Congress and the White House make it a top priority in the weeks ahead to
reach a deal on lowering prescription drug prices in America?
Take our poll now! [link removed] Ask Us
Did you know that a team of experts in the field of Social Security policy is
available to answer your questions about benefits? For 37 years, the National
Committee has been helping thousands of our members and supporters with a broad
range of concerns on Social Security.
Whether you're currently retired or approaching retirement, the National
Committee's "Ask Us"section can help answer your questions about Social Security. You can either
search our archives for valuable advice on a broad range of concerns at www.ncpssm.org/ask-us-recent/ [link removed] or email your question to
[email protected] mailto:
[email protected]?subject=.
This week's question is: I am eligible for benefits; my husband does not have enough credits. I know he
will receive survivor benefits if I die, but does he receive any income if both
are alive?
Click here to read the answer. [link removed] Recent Headlines
Why Michigan Struggles with Prescription Drug Costs [link removed] (November 25, 2019, WJIM, Radio Interview with NCPSSM Director of Government Relations & Policy, Dan
Adcock)
The Shocking Rise of Prescription Drug Prices [link removed] (November 26, 2019, Consumer Reports, Lisa L. Gill)
Trump draws ire after retreat on drug prices pledge [link removed] (November 24, 2019, The Hill, Peter Sullivan)
Drugmakers Cut Prices 61% to Get on Coveted China List [link removed] (November 27, 2019, Bloomberg, drafted with assistance from Dong Lyu, and
Jeanny Yu)
The $11 Million Dollar Medicare Tool That Gives Seniors the Wrong Insurance Information [link removed] (November 25, 2019, ProPublica, Akilah Johnson)
Many Americans Over 65 Face Economic Insecurity, Even If They're Healthy [link removed] (November 19, 2019, Bloomberg, Alexandre Tanzi)
[link removed] [link removed] [link removed] Member contributions to the National Committee, a nonprofit 501(c)(4)
organization, are not tax-deductible.
Copyright© 2019 by the National Committee
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