Rep. Susie Lee Hosts Roundtable on Lowering Prescription Drug Prices
Las Vegas, Nev. – U.S. Rep. Susie Lee (Nev.-03) hosted a roundtable meeting focusing on her priority of finding solutions to lower the skyrocketing cost of prescription drugs. Southern Nevada organizations and advocates in attendance included the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), the Nevada Alliance for Retired Americans, the Culinary Health Fund, Nevada Hospital Association (NHA), Battle Born Progress, and Protect Our Care. The discussion addressed the community impact of high health care costs and the solutions necessary to lower drug prices.
"Last year, 24 percent of Americans did not fill out prescriptions due to high costs, and many Americans are not taking recommended dosages in order to make their medication last longer. Let that sink in," said Rep. Lee. "Today's roundtable was an opportunity for me to listen and learn from organizations that are on the ground every day serving Nevadans who struggle to access the vital medication they oftentimes depend on to stay alive. Our discussion was the first of many as we continue to work together to make prescription drugs affordable. No one should have to choose between groceries and their life-sustaining prescriptions. I am committed to working with stakeholders and constituents to find the best possible solutions to fix a broken system that keeps medication out of reach of those who need it."
BACKGROUND: Since her first day in office, Rep. Lee has fought for affordable, accessible health care and the protection of Nevadans with pre-existing conditions. She has helped thwart numerous attempts to dismantle the Affordable Care Act, including standing with Nevada and other states in the ongoing Texas v. U.S. lawsuit. Dismantling the Affordable Care Act would end the law's provision that closes the so called "donut-hole" for Medicare Part D beneficiaries, a coverage gap that has forced older Americans to foot the bill for an incredibly high percentage of their prescription drug expenses once those expenses reach a certain threshold.
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