Each year, 45 million people do not fill their prescriptions because of cost. And half of them are becoming even sicker because they do not have access to medication.
Prescription drug prices are astronomical, even for people with insurance. Many times they are cost-prohibitive, forcing people with fixed incomes or no insurance to choose between food and much-needed medication. In economically advanced countries,
medications outside the U.S. cost on average 50% less -- and up to 99% less. According to a poll conducted, 1 in 4 Americans have had to choose between critical medications other necessities such as housing or food because of the outrageous costs.
And it's getting worse. The Federal Trade Commission estimates that taxpayer drug costs are $3.5 billion more a year because of "Pay-to-Delay" deals. These deals help Big Pharma, and they hurt patients. They delay the manufacture of generic, more affordable prescription drugs -- just so corporations can profit.
We need to pass legislation that would:
- allow pharmacies and individuals to import safe, FDA-approved drugs directly from Canada at a fraction of the price;
- end pay-to-delay schemes that delay the manufacture of less-expensive generic drugs;
- and allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices.
Stand with the Right Care Alliance and sign the petition to demand relief for millions of Americans who can't afford prescription drugs.
To: Members of Congress
In 2016, 45 million people did not fill their prescriptions because of cost, half of them are becoming even sicker because they do not have access to medication. Americans need common sense policies to lower drug prices in United States and expand access to lower cost medication from pharmacies in other countries.
We need to pass legislation that would:
- Allow pharmacies and individuals to import safe, FDA-approved drugs directly from Canada at a fraction of the price;
- End pay-to-delay schemes that delay the manufacture of less-expensive generic drugs;
- And allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices.
Thank you.
