We have to keep the pressure up on lowering prescription drug prices! Call your U.S. Representatives NOW to tell them to support H.R. 3, the Lower Drug Costs Now Act! Take Action

Dear Friend,

Prescription drug prices are continuing to rise and many families are struggling to afford life-saving medicines.

In a recent survey, by the Kaiser Family Foundation, about a quarter of Americans said they’ve had trouble paying for a prescription. [1] A QUARTER! It doesn’t have to be this way. There are solutions and our government can fix this. Thankfully, more and more people (across party lines) support government action to help cut the cost of medications—so now we have the momentum to make Congress take action!

**We can’t let up! Can you call your U.S. Representatives NOW to ask them to support H.R. 3, the Lower Drug Costs Now Act!

It’s a critical time to make our voices heard as Congress is currently considering legislation that would begin to lower prescription drug prices!

What’s the deal? Congress has created a flawed system that allows pharmaceutical companies to abuse patent monopolies and price gouge patients on life-saving medicines. In addition, unlike in most high-income countries, these monopolies are not counterbalanced by a strong coordinated purchasing strategy by the government to lower costs. [2] As a result, pharmaceutical companies have shifted their focus to increasing profits, as there is no real government effort to rein in prescription drug prices.

As recommended by the Coalition for Fair Drug Prices, a top priority for action must be to address outrageous list prices that manufacturers charge, which drive costs throughout the system. Additional policies to bring costs and prices under control should ultimately encompass the entire supply chain, including wholesale distributors, PBMs, insurers and other payers, and retail pharmacies. [5]

H.R. 3 would be a huge help to our nation in lowering costs for medications people need to stay healthy. Join me in calling Congress to support this important piece of legislation!

As drug prices have risen, insurers are shifting costs to consumers and families are being impacted most. Across the country, families are facing poor health outcomes due to drug prices preventing them from being able to access and afford the medication they need to maintain their health. [3] As of January of 2019, the prices on more than 250 prescription drugs increased by 6 percent or more. [4]

Kaiser Family Foundation found that 3 in 10 people across the country skip doses or refrain from filling prescriptions altogether due to high costs [6]. The repercussions are horrendous, leading to deteriorating conditions for family members as they try to treat diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol, and other chronic conditions. Lives are at stake. Prescription drug prices are consistently higher in the United States, with Americans paying at least three times more for prescriptions. [7]

*Join me in calling Congress NOW. Tell your U.S. Representative to support H.R. 3, the Lower Drug Costs Now Act.

Everyone should be able to access and afford the medication they need in order to live a healthy, productive life. We cannot stand silent as this continues.

The more people who speak out, the bigger our impact. Please take a moment to forward our action link to your friends and family and share our action link on social media:
https://action.momsrising.org/call/prescription-drug-prices-call/?t=16&akid=13117%2E2840598%2EYebEdD

Together we are a powerful voice for the health of families.

- Felicia, Tasmiha, Donna and the whole MomsRising / MamásConPoder team

[1] NPR, Poll: Americans Support Government Action To Curb Prescription Drug Prices

[2] Community Catalyst, Addressing Out of Control Prescription Drug Prices - Federal and State Strategies

[3]: U.S. PIRG, The Real Price of Medications

[4]: Ibid

[5]: Families USA, Coalition for Fair Drug Prices: Statement of Principles

[6]: Kaiser Family Foundation, KFF Health Tracking Poll – February 2019: Prescription Drugs

[7] Community Catalyst, Addressing Out of Control Prescription Drug Prices - Federal and State Strategies

You can unsubscribe from this mailing list at any time.