REP. ELDRIDGE CELEBRATES RELEASE OF BILL TO EASE PRESCRIPTION DRUG COSTS FOR SENIORS

Supporters gain crucial ally as AARP Massachusetts joins growing chorus of supporters and celebrate Public Health Committee’s Approval

Boston, MA – Rep. Eldridge (D-Acton) joined a coalition of legislators, seniors groups, and health care organizations to celebrate the release of a bill to help Massachusetts residents save thousands of dollars a year by re-importing prescription drugs from Canada. The Prescription Drug Price Reduction Act cleared a major hurdle on Beacon Hill this week after the Joint Committee on Health Care gave the legislation its stamp of approval.  Supporters celebrated the bill's momentum at a press conference this past Thursday at the State House. The bill now heads to the Senate Ways and Means Committee for consideration. 

"Everywhere I go people talk about the ridiculously high cost of prescription drugs," said Rep. Eldridge, a supporter of the bill.  "Seniors struggling with the high cost of their medicines have been left in the dark by Governor Romney’s refusal to actively support solutions such as Prescription Advantage and bulk purchasing.  This bill helps fill that void by allowing residents to use the free market to save thousands of dollars a year in drug costs."

As a member on the House Task Force on Hospitals, Rep. Eldridge has been actively supporting this bill and working with legislative colleagues and health care groups to find ways to make prescription drugs more affordable for residents throughout his district.

Supporters of the bill gained a crucial ally Thursday when AARP Massachusetts, on behalf of it’s over 800,000 members, announced its official endorsement.

“The support of AARP for this bill simply highlights the growing commitment of making prescription drugs more affordable for our seniors and working families” Eldridge added. “I am excited they are joining in this important movement. Their support will be crucial in seeing this bill become law.”

Millions of consumers have chosen in recent years to re-import prescription drugs from Canada at an average of 55% cheaper than those in the U.S.  The Prescription Drug Price Reduction Act would direct the Governor to apply for a federal waiver that would allow a newly created state office to distribute information and materials on how residents can safely buy prescription drugs at reduced prices from certified Canadian pharmacies. 

A recent Associated Press national poll found that 65% of Americans surveyed believe that the government should make it easier for people to buy prescription drugs from other countries.  73% of those surveyed said that they know someone in their family that has cut back on prescribed dosages because of cost considerations.