News

Protect Our Care Campaign Around H.R.3 Included $2 Million in Digital Ads, Op-eds, and Events Across the Country In the Months Surrounding Passage of the Bill

Last week, the House of Representatives passed the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act (H.R.3) — the most comprehensive drug pricing reform in American history. The landmark legislation lowers prescription drug costs for Americans by giving Medicare the power to negotiate for lower prices and includes the largest expansion of Medicare benefits in decades. For months, Protect Our Care has been building momentum for H.R.3 with $2 million in ads supporting the bill as well as events across the country with members of Congress to make the case for its passage. Since October, Protect Our Care has held 26 roundtable discussions, town halls and press events in 13 states with elected officials and health care advocates in addition to penning and placing op-eds urging support for the bill. Participants at Protect Our Care’s events made crystal clear the necessity of passing the Lower Drug Costs Now Act, imploring Senate Republicans to bring this bill to the floor for an up and down vote.

Here’s a comprehensive overview of Protect Our Care’s events as well as news coverage generated in support of H.R. 3: 

ARIZONA

Tuesday, October 8th – Health Care Town Hall with Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick’s (AZ-02) Office

Protect Our Care Arizona joined Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick’s office at a community town hall in Tucson, to discuss the Lower Drug Costs Now Act (H.R. 3), historic legislation, introduced by House Democrats, that will drastically lower prescription drug costs and hold insurance companies accountable. Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick discussed her support for health policy proposals that lower prescription drug costs and protect people with preexisting conditions, as she works to ensure that every Arizonan has access to quality, affordable care. View the post-event release here.

KGUN: Community members share their health care concerns at health care town hall 

Friday, December 13th — Press Call with Rep. Tom O’Halleran (AZ-01) and Patient Advocates

Protect Our Care Arizona was joined by Congressman Tom O’Halleran and health care advocates from across Arizona to discuss the recently passed Lower Drug Costs Now Act (H.R. 3), historic legislation designed to help Americans struggling with high prescription drug costs. Congressman O’Halleran discussed precisely how the bill would offer relief to the millions of Americans who rely on costly prescription drugs, while patient advocates and health care professionals shared their own experiences accessing high-cost prescription drugs. You can listen to the call audio here, and view the post-event release here. 

COLORADO 

Friday, December 6th:

Press Call with Rep. Jason Crow (CO-06)  and State Rep. Janet Buckner

Rep. Jason Crow (CO-06) and State Rep. Janet Buckner (HD 40) joined Coloradans to talk about the Democrats’ newly-introduced bill, the Lower Drug Prices Now Act (H.R. 3), and its benefits for Coloradans struggling under the weight of increasingly high prescription drug costs. Laura Packard, a stage-4 cancer survivor also joined the call, and called on the U.S. Senate to take action on the bill as soon as the Senate version is introduced. You can view the post-event release here, and listen to the call here. 

Roundtable with Rocky Mountain Values at Cafecito

Rocky Mountain Values health advocates and Reps. Yadira Caraveo and Jacques Lewis join together at Cafecito, a Latino leaders roundtable, to discuss the House’s efforts to lower prescription drug costs. You can watch segments from the roundtable discussion here, here, and here.

Colorado Sentinel: Rep. Crow Op-Ed: The fight for cheaper prescription drugs 

GEORGIA

Wednesday, October 9th – Roundtable with Rep. Lucy McBath (GA-06)

Rep. Lucy McBath held a healthcare round table with Protect Our Care to talk with constituents about the current challenges facing the healthcare system, her fight to protect pre-existing conditions, and Speaker Pelosi’s latest push to lower drug costs with the Lower Drug Costs Now Act (H.R. 3). View the post-event release here. 

Yahoo Finance: Rep. McBath Meets with AARP Georgia to Discuss Lowering Prescription Drug Prices

Friday, December 13th — Press Call with Physician and Advocates

State Representative Kim Schofield and Dr. Jamie Weisman joined Protect Our Care Georgia for a press call to talk about the Lower Drug Prices Now Act (H.R. 3), which House Democrats passed yesterday, and its benefits for Georgians struggling under the weight of increasingly high prescription drug costs. Listen to the full press call here.

IOWA

Thursday, December 12th:

Press Call with Rep. Abby Finkenauer (IA-01)

Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer joined Iowa Voices and concerned Iowans for a press call on the day that she cast her vote in favor of H.R. 3. Participants on the call thanked Rep. Finkenauer for her support of the bill and also called on Sens. Ernst and Grassley to support the bill in the Senate. You can view the post-event release here and hear a recording of the call here. 

Iowa Starting Line: Finkenauer, Axne Share Iowa Families’ Stories On House Floor

Caroling Outside Sen. Ernst’s Waterloo Offices

Carolers gathered outside Sen. Joni Ernst’s offices in Waterloo and sang songs about her terrible record on health care. In addition, attendees demanded that Sen. Ernst take a serious look at and support H.R. 3 after it passed the house that same day. Watch video of the carolers here.

Caroling Outside Sen. Ernst’s Cedar Rapids Offices

Concerned Iowans also sang carols outside of Sen. Ernst’s Cedar Rapids office on Thursday—bringing with them the terrible holiday news that the Senator has failed to stand up for Iowans’ health care in the Senate and that she must support legislation like H.R. 3 to ensure that Iowans have access to care at affordable prices. 

Caroling Outside Sen. Ernst’s Des Moines Offices

Finally, Iowans struggling under the cost of sky-high prescription drug costs gathered outside Sen. Ernst’s Des Moines office to demand that she support H.R. 3 and lower medication costs for all Iowans—including diabetics and cancer patients. 

MAINE

Wednesday, December 11th — Press Call with State Legislators

Protect Our Care Maine was joined by four state legislators to discuss the crippling burden of rising prescription drug costs for Mainers, and how important passing H.R. 3 is to lower costs for all Americans. Speakers included State Rep. Donna Doore, who is also a three-time cancer survivor; State Rep. Victoria Foley, who sits on the Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services Committee; State Rep. Drew Gattine; and State Rep. Ned Claxton, who is also a physician. Listen to the call here and view the press release here.

MICHIGAN

Monday, October 7th – Costs of Care Conversation with Rep. Elissa Slotkin (MI-08)

Protect Our Care Michigan joined Rep. Elissa Slotkin for a “Costs of Care Conversation” at the Old Persons’ Commission in Rochester, Michigan. At the roundtable discussion, Rep. Slotkin discussed Democrats’ bill to lower prescription drug costs, which would allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices. She urged both Democrats and Republicans to put pressure on Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to bring the bill to a vote in the Senate. View ICYMI here.

WXYZ-TV Detroit: Rep. Elissa Slotkin outlines her prescription drug cost reform bill 

MLive: Slotkin commits to legislative priorities while GOP impeachment criticism surges

Monday, December 2nd:

Press Conference in Troy with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Rep. Haley Stevens (MI-11)

Rep. Haley Stevens was joined by Governor Gretchen Whitmer at a clinic in Troy to discuss health care issues, including protections for pre-existing conditions, high drug costs, and ACA open enrollment. Michiganders also shared their stories, and Rep. Stevens highlighted Democrats’ H.R. 3 bill to lower prescription drug costs. See press release here and here.

WWJ: Governor, Congresswoman Urge ACA Signups

Fox 2: ACA Enrollment Open Through December 15th

Roundtable in Lansing with Gov. Whitmer and Rep. Elissa Slotkin (MI-08)

Rep. Elissa Slotkin was joined by Governor Gretchen Whitmer in Lansing to discuss the high costs of prescription drugs and Democrats’ efforts to lower prices, including Democrats’ Lower Drug Costs Now Act (H.R. 3) and Rep. Slotkin’s Real Time Benefits Act, which was included in the Public Disclosure of Drug Discounts Act (H.R. 2115). After the roundtable discussion, Rep. Slotkin demonstrated a tool from her Real Time Benefits Act at a local pharmacy. See advisory here and press release here.

MIRS: Gov Wants Healthy MI Work Requirements To Take A Break

Gongwer: Whitmer, Slotkin Urge ACA Sign-Ups; Doubt Work Requirements 

WLNS: People encouraged to enroll in Affordable Care Act

MLive: Whitmer says Michigan Legislature should pause Medicaid work requirements

AP: Whitmer: Legislature should help pause Medicaid work rules

MINNESOTA

Wednesday, October 9th – Press Call Before Trump Rally in Minneapolis

Ahead of President Trump’s visit to Minnesota on Wednesday, Protect Our Care Minnesota hosted a press call calling on Donald Trump and Republicans to stop sabotaging Minnesotans’ health care, including the Trump administration’s efforts to repeal current health care protections through the courts and eliminate coverage for millions of Minnesotans with preexisting conditions. This is in stark contrast to how Democrats like Reps. Angie Craig and Dean Phillips are leading the charge to protect Americans with pre-existing conditions, and are passing legislation to lower costs and improve care. View the post-call release here and listen to the full audio of the call here.

Sunday, December 15th — Prescription Drugs Roundtable with Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-0 

Congressman Dean Phillips hosted a roundtable to discuss the Lower Drug Costs Now Act (H.R. 3), which House Democrats passed last week, and its benefits for Minnesotans struggling under the weight of increasingly high prescription drug costs. Phillips was joined by State Reps. Mike Howard and Kelly Morrison, and Minnesota who depend on costly prescription drugs to manage various health conditions. View the post-event release here.

MinnPost: Rep. Angie Craig (MN-02) and Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-03) Op-Ed: Game-changing H.R. 3 would stop prescription-drug price gouging 

KSTP: Rep. Phillips Talks Drug Prices

WCCO: Bill aims to lower cost of prescription drugs

NEVADA

Wednesday, October 9th – Rep. Susie Lee (NV-03) Health Care Town Hall

Nevada health care advocates championed the Lower Drug Costs Now Act (H.R. 3) at an event on October 9. The bill has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives and is supported by Rep. Susie Lee. The Nevada Hospital Association, AARP Nevada, Nevada Alliance for Retired Americans, Culinary Health Fund, and Protect Our Care joined Rep. Susie Lee for a discussion on the importance of lowering prescription drug costs. View the post-event release here and an ICYMI including clips from the event here. 

Nevada Today: Rep. Susie Lee Holds Community Discussion on Prescription Drug Costs 

NBC 3 Las Vegas: Lee on backing impeachment inquiry: No regrets 

Sunday, December 15th — Press Conference with Rep. Steven Horsford (NV-04) and Rep. Susie Lee

On Sunday, Reps. Steven Horsford and Susie Lee held a press conference with dozens of Nevadans to discuss the recent passage of H.R. 3 and the benefits that the bill would have for Nevadans struggling to pay high prices for their prescription medications. You can view a Facebook live of the event here. 

Las Vegas Sun: Rep. Horsford Op-Ed: Drug costs must be a priority for Congress 

Nevada Current: Op-Ed: Bill would reduce prescription drug prices, too bad GOP is blocking it 

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Tuesday, October 8th – Health Care Costs Roundtable with Rep. Chris Pappas (NH-01)

Protect Our Care New Hampshire joined Congressman Chris Pappas at Potters Bakery and Cafe in Rochester, NH for an intimate discussion with constituents on health care. They discussed the skyrocketing costs of health care, and what Rep. Pappas is doing in Congress to lower costs of prescription drugs. View the post-event release here and ICYMI here.

Seacoast Online: Pappas touts effort to lower Rx drug costs

Fosters: Pappas touts effort to lower Rx drug costs

Concord Monitor: Op-Ed: My Turn: A bill that will bring down drug prices for everyone 

Friday, December 13th — Roundtable with Rep. Chris Pappas 

Protect Our Care New Hampshire and local residents were joined by Rep. Chris Pappas in Manchester to discuss the Democrats’ recently passed bill, the Lower Drug Prices Now Act (H.R. 3), and its benefits for Granite Staters. The participants thanked Rep. Pappas for his vote and leadership on H.R. 3, then he explained how the bill would help lower drug prices and described what was next on the road to it becoming law. Read the post-event release here.

NORTH CAROLINA 

Monday, December 9th — Press Conference with Local Officials and Patient Advocates

Protect Our Care North Carolina was joined by Commissioner Pat Cotham and Senator Joyce Waddell, and health care advocacy group Action NC to talk about the Democrats’ newly-introduced bill, the Lower Drug Prices Now Act (H.R. 3), and how North Carolinians like Stacy Staggs, who are struggling to pay for vital treatment for serious medical conditions. Speakers urged Senator Thom Tillis to take action when the bill arrives in the Senate. View the post-event release here. 

OHIO

Friday, December 6th — Press Conference Outside Rep. Steve Chabot’s (OH-01) Cincinnati Office

Protect Our Care Ohio was joined by State Rep. Sendrick Denson and advocates from  InsulinOhio to discuss the importance of passing the Lower Drug Costs Now Act (H.R. 3). Antroinette Worsham, a Cincinnati mom who lost her daughter to diabetic ketoacidosis because of insulin rationing, also spoke. They met outside of the Cincinnati office of Congressman Steve Chabot, who has yet to announce support of the bill.

PENNSYLVANIA

Thursday, December 12th — Press Call with Rep. Matt Cartwright (PA-08)

Congressman Matt Cartwright joined a call with the Pennsylvania Health Action Network (PHAN) and several Iowans crushed by the weight of expensive, life saving drugs to discuss the importance of H.R. 3. The congressman emphasized the millions of dollars that would be saved for consumers because of this bill and went on to vote for the historic legislation later in the day. You can view the post-call release here and listen to a recording of the call here.

Lehigh Valley Live: Op-Ed: For diabetics, passage of drug-cost bill is intensely personal 

WISCONSIN

Tuesday, December 10th:

Press Conference in Madison 

Advocates held a press conference on Tuesday with patients and advocates to talk about the importance of passing H.R. 3 and Wisconsin Republicans’ failure to support the measure. Participants included Kriss Marion, a southwest Wisconsin who took Enbrel for her rheumatoid arthritis for several years. The drugs now cost about $675 per shot, and Kriss is no longer able to afford the medication. 

Press Conference in Green Bay

Advocates also held a press conference on Tuesday in Green Bay with concerned Wisconsinites and patients suffering under the weight of outrageous prescription drug prices. Participants called on President Trump and Republicans to support measures like H.R. 3 that will lower the cost of drugs for Wisconsinites struggling to afford life-saving medications.

Wednesday, December 11th — Press Conference in Milwaukee

To close out a swing through the state, patients and advocates gathered in Milwaukee to talk about prescription drug prices and the need for groundbreaking legislation like H.R. 3. Speakers called out Republicans specifically for their lack of action to lower prescription drug costs—particularly the Trump administration’s inaction on prescription drug legislation. You can view the post-event release here.

WKOW: Democrats Call on GOP to Vote On Lower Drug Costs Now Act

WISC: Democrats Voice Support For Low Cost Drug Act

WisEye: News Conference: Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act of 2019

Wisconsin Public Radio: “Only Days Left To Enroll In Health Insurance Through Federal Marketplace”

President Trump and Republicans in Congress Continue To Stand With Big Pharma and Oppose Medicare Negotiations

Yesterday, the House of Representatives passed the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act (H.R. 3): the most comprehensive drug pricing reform in American history. The landmark bill dramatically lowers prescription drug costs for Americans by giving Medicare the power to negotiate for lower prices, and includes the largest expansion of Medicare benefits in decades. Coverage of this historic bill’s passage shows that House Democrats delivered on their promise to lower Americans’ drug prices and will continue to fight against Republican and Big Pharma-backed opposition in 2020.

New York Times: “The House, delivering on one of Democrats’ central campaign promises, passed ambitious legislation on Thursday to lower the rising cost of prescription drugs by empowering the federal government to negotiate prices with pharmaceutical manufacturers.” [New York Times, 12/12/19] 

Wall Street Journal: “The House of Representatives passed far-reaching legislation to lower drug prices, bolstering Democrats’ health-care message in the 2020 election campaign.” [Wall Street Journal, 12/12/19] 

Washington Post: “In a remarkable show of unity, House Democrats passed their own legislation allowing the government to directly negotiate lower prices under Medicare’s prescription drug program.” [Washington Post, 12/13/19] 

Politico: “The sweeping legislation delivers a long-sought Democratic priority that’s repeatedly run up against opposition from Republicans and powerful drug industry interests.” [Politico, 12/12/19] 

The Hill: “The measure, which would allow the government to negotiate lower prices for prescription drugs, is one of House Democrats’ top priorities and is expected to be touted by vulnerable Democrats up for reelection next year.” [The Hill, 12/12/19] 

Vox: “Democrats’ proposal would mark a major shift in the way prescription drug prices are set in the US, by empowering the federal government to directly negotiate drug prices for Medicare recipients as well as others purchasing the drug.” [Vox, 12/12/19] 

Washington Examiner: “The Pelosi bill is meant to signal to voters that Democrats would keep the promises they made to voters to lower drug prices and that they are serious about doing so if voters elect a member of their party to the White House in 2020.” [Washington Examiner, 12/12/19]

Stat: “If the bill were enacted, it would likely represent the biggest pharmaceutical industry overhaul in American history.” [Stat, 12/12/19] 

The Connecticut Mirror (CT): “The U.S. House on Friday approved an ambitious bill that would dramatically lower the cost of popular drugs, like insulin and other commonly prescribed medications, for Medicare patients and other Americans. All Connecticut House members voted for the bill, and three of them — Reps. John Larson, D-1st District, Joe Courtney, D-2nd District, and Jahana Hayes, D-5th District — were original co-sponsors.” [The Connecticut Mirror, 12/13/19] 

The Gazette (IA): “Finkenauer was one of 106 co-sponsors of House Resolution 3 — the Lower Drug Costs Now Act — which passed the House on Thursday on a vote of 230-192, with only two Republicans voting for it. It includes provisions to create vision, dental and hearing benefits and caps out-of-pocket drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries at $2,000.” [The Gazette, 12/12/19]

Colorado Politics (CO): “The U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services would bargain with pharmaceutical companies over selected drugs…among other drugs not covered by the negotiation, there would also be a new mechanism to control the increase in drug prices, with manufacturers paying a rebate to the federal government if they exceed the rate. That provision stemmed from the Freedom from Price Gouging Act, a piece of legislation that U.S. Rep. Jason Crow introduced separately in October.” [Colorado Politics, 12/12/19]

Alabama Political Reporter (AL): “In Alabama’s 7th Congressional District, there are over 100,000 people enrolled in a Medicare Part D plan and over 360,000 enrolled in private health insurance. Sewell said that all of these stand to benefit from H.R. 3. If it passes out of Congress and is signed by the President.” [Alabama Political Reporter, 12/13/19]

Today, the House of Representatives passed the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act (H.R. 3), a landmark bill that delivers on the promise Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats made to lower prescription drug costs for Americans. Every Democrat voted for the bill, as well as two Republicans. Coverage of the bill’s passage emphasized the significance of this sweeping legislation that finally gives Medicare the power to negotiate for lower drug prices, the most effective measure to lower costs. 

New York Times: House Votes To Give The Government The Power To Negotiate Drug Prices. [New York Times, 12/12/19] 

Wall Street Journal: House Passes Bill To Reduce Drug Prices. [Wall Street Journal, 12/12/19] 

POLITICO: House Passes Bill Requiring Drug Price Negotiations. [POLITICO, 12/12/19] 

The Hill: House Passes Sweeping Pelosi Bill To Lower Drug Prices. [The Hill, 12/12/19] 

Reuters: Democrat-Led U.S. House Passes Bill To Lower Drug Prices. [Reuters, 12/12/19] 

CNBC: House Passes Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s Drug Pricing Bill. [CNBC, 12/12/19] 

Vox: The House Just Passed An Ambitious Bill To Lower Prescription Drug Prices. [Vox, 12/12/19] 

Washington Examiner: House Passes Pelosi Drug Pricing Bill In Bid To Show Democratic Priorities Beyond Impeachment. [Washington Examiner, 12/12/19]

Democrats Were United In Praising H.R. 3, And Called Out Their Republican Colleagues For Voting Against The Bill And Siding With Big Pharma:

Speaker Nancy Pelosi (CA-12): “BREAKING: House Republicans chose to keep prescription drug prices soaring — siding with big drug corporations and forcing Americans to continue paying astronomical prices. #LowerDrugCosts.” [Nancy Pelosi Twitter, 12/12/19]

Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (MD-05): “POTUS said he wants to negotiate the cost of Rx drugs, and that is what #HR3 will do — allow Medicare to negotiate & #LowerDrugCosts for those on Medicare & with private insurance. I urge the Senate to take up this bill and send it to the President’s desk for his signature.” [Leader Hoyer Twitter, 12/12/19]

Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez: “Democrats are keeping our promises to the American people. Your turn, Mitch. #LowerDrugCosts.” [Chairman Perez Twitter, 12/12/19]

Ways & Means Chairman Richard Neal (MA-01): “I am thrilled to see that @HouseDemocrats were able to pass #HR3, the #LowerDrugCosts Now Act to: 1. bring down the cost of prescription drugs, 2. level the playing field for American patients, 3. invest in research for treatment and cures.” [Chairman Neal Twitter, 12/12/19]

Education & Labor Chairman Bobby Scott (VA-03): “By passing H.R. 3, @HouseDemocrats are delivering on our promise to provide the American people long-awaited relief from skyrocketing prescription drug costs. The Lower Drug Costs Now Act is a historic achievement on behalf of the American people. #LowerDrugCostsNow.” [Chairman Scott Twitter, 12/12/19]

Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (NM-03): “The #LowerDrugCostsNow Act JUST PASSED THE HOUSE. New Mexico families shouldn’t have to choose between making ends meet and affording their prescriptions. I was incredibly proud to vote for this transformative legislation that will help keep our communities healthy.” [Rep. Lujan Twitter, 12/12/19]

Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03): “Every week, I hear from Iowans about their struggles paying for prescription drugs. Today, I voted to do something about it. #HR3: caps out-of-pocket costs for our seniors, allows Medicare to negotiate prices, cuts red tape thanks to my amendment.” [Rep. Axne Twitter, 12/12/19]

Rep. Angie Craig (MN-02): “Today, I proudly voted for the Elijah E. Cummings #LowerDrugCostsNowAct, to lower prescription drug costs for hard working Minnesotans in #MN02.” [Rep. Craig Twitter, 12/12/19]

Rep. Joe Cunningham (SC-01): “The House just passed my amendment to the #LowerDrugCosts Now Act, which ensures vets have access to lower drug prices negotiated by this bill. The hard-earned dollars Americans put towards caring for our vets should be spent on veterans—not on lining the pockets of big pharma.” [Rep. Cunningham Twitter, 12/12/19]

Rep. Sharice Davids (KS-03): “The Lower Drug Costs Now Act PASSED the House. Proud to join my colleagues in passing this bill to provide real relief for Kansas families at the pharmacy counter. Now it’s time for the Senate to finally stand up to Big Pharma and do the same.” [Rep. Davids Twitter, 12/12/19]

Rep. Abby Finkenauer (IA-01): “From roundtables in Dubuque and Waterloo, we have heard about the true cost of high drug prices for families across #IA01. Today, I proudly voted yes on historic reforms that put people over big pharma.” [Rep. Finkenauer Twitter, 12/12/19]

Rep. Steven Horsford (NV-04): “I just left the House floor where I voted for #HR3 to #LowerDrugCosts! It’s time to: Protect American patients from paying exorbitant prices, Expand Medicare benefits to include dental, vision, & hearing, Encourage investment in research, Put patients over pharma profits!” [Rep. Horsford Twitter, 12/12/19]

Rep. Susie Lee (NV-03): “No group of Nevadans relies more on prescription drugs than our seniors. My provision in the historic #LowerDrugCosts Now Act will help seniors on Medicare save money and afford their medication.” [Rep. Lee Twitter, 12/12/19]

Rep. Elaine Luria (VA-02): “Today, I voted for landmark legislation that would lower prescription drug costs for hundreds of thousands of Coastal Virginians. The Lower Drug Costs Now Act is an overdue bill that will ease the financial burdens of hardworking families while funding groundbreaking research. I urge Senate to make life-saving prescription drugs more affordable for all Americans by passing the Lower Drug Costs Now Act.” [Rep. Luria Twitter, 12/12/19]

Rep. Betty McCollum (MN-04): “Today, the House passed #HR3 to #LowerDrugCosts and reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses for millions of Americans. The bill expands the services Medicare covers & addresses the skyrocketing cost of prescriptions. Now it’s up to the Senate & @senatemajldr to act. #ForThePeople.” [Rep. McCollum Twitter, 12/12/19]

Rep. Chris Pappas (NH-01): “Proud to support historic legislation to drive down prescription drug costs for New Hampshire. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to take action and pass a bill we can send to the President’s desk for signature. America is counting on us.” [Rep. Pappas Twitter, 12/12/19]

Rep. Jan Schakowsky (IL-09): “So, Mitch McConnell, now it’s your move to #LowerDrugCostsNow, @SenateMajLdr. Meanwhile, we’ll keep fighting #ForThePeople to ensure every person has access to affordable medication. #YourMoveMitch.” [Rep. Schakowsky Twitter, 12/12/19]

Rep. Abigail Spanberger (VA-07): “Lawmakers beholden to the pharmaceutical lobby have long refused to act on the unbearable drug costs plaguing Americans. Today, I voted to pass #HR3 because I know the hard choices #VA07 residents have to make to be able to afford medications they need.” [Rep. Spanberger Twitter, 12/12/19]

Rep. Haley Stevens (MI-11): “As part of #HR3, the House just passed my bill to lower drug costs for low-income seniors by improving the Medicare Part D assignment system! The Maximizing Drug Coverage for Low-Income Seniors Act could lead to big cost savings for seniors on Medicare.” [Rep. Stevens Twitter, 12/12/19]

Rep. Dina Titus (NV-01): “Nevadans constantly tell me that prescription drug prices are out of control. That’s why I just voted to pass the #LowerDrugCosts Now Act. The nonpartisan @USCBO says it will save taxpayers $500 billion over the next ten years. Senator McConnell should immediately hold a vote.” [Rep. Titus Twitter, 12/12/19]

Rep. Susan Wild (PA-07): “#HR3 JUST PASSED THE HOUSE! People are dying because our system puts profits over their health — we will not let it continue. The #LowerDrugCostsNowAct will bring down the costs of prescriptions and make a true difference in the lives of Pennsylvanians.” [Rep. Wild Twitter, 12/12/19]

Washington, DC — Today, the House of Representatives passed the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act (H.R. 3), historic legislation to drastically reduce Americans’ prescription drug prices by up to 55% and save taxpayers nearly $500 billion over the next 10 years. H.R. 3 includes the most comprehensive drug pricing reform in American history and the largest expansion to Medicare’s vision, dental and hearing benefits in decades. In response to its passage, Protect Our Care Chair Leslie Dach released the following statement:

“With the passage of this historic legislation, House Democrats under the leadership of Speaker Pelosi have followed through on their promise to lower prescription drug costs and rein in Big Pharma. By giving Medicare the power to negotiate for lower prices — the single most effective way to lower drug costs — and holding drug companies accountable for creating a rigged system, this landmark bill will lower prescription drug costs for seniors and families nationwide. The American people overwhelmingly support giving Medicare the power to negotiate, and any bill that doesn’t include this policy will not fulfill Congress’ promise to lower costs. Now it’s time for Mitch McConnell and Senate Republicans to decide if they want to keep defending Big Pharma or put the health and well-being of the American people first.”

Washington, DC — Today, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster alongside CMS Administrator Seema Verma announced the approval of burdensome new Medicaid work requirements on South Carolinians enrolled in the program. In response, Protect Our Care Executive Director Brad Woodhouse released the following statement: 

“South Carolina Republicans ought to be ashamed of themselves with their latest move to gut the state’s Medicaid program by instituting brutal so-called ‘work requirements’ on people who so desperately need access to health care. Make no mistake, this is just another attempt by the Trump administration and state Republicans to sabotage our health care system and kick people off the Medicaid rolls. Even after similar work requirement laws were recently struck down by the courts and proven ineffective, the Trump administration continues to be hellbent on pursuing this draconian policy that put Americans’ health care in harm’s way.

“Medicaid provides life-saving care for more than 900,000 South Carolinans, and if Governor McMaster were serious about expanding health care for his constituents, he would have expanded Medicaid instead of doubling down on trying to destroy the program.”

BACKGROUND

Work Requirements Have Repeatedly Been Struck Down In Court. Judge James Boasberg with the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia blocked Arkansas and Kentucky’s work requirement programs in March 2019, deeming the approvals of these proposals as “arbitrary and capricious.” The same judge struck down work requirements in New Hampshire, finding that once again the Trump administration failed to consider how many beneficiaries would lose coverage. 

More Than 18,000 Lost Coverage In Arkansas After The State Imposed Work Requirements. Arkansas was the first state to be allowed to implement Medicaid work requirements and resulted in more than 18,000 losing coverage. In addition to devastating coverage losses, several studies of the program have since revealed that there was little to no evidence the the work requirement actually helped individuals find jobs. A GAO analysis found that the state and federal government spent at least $26 million implementing the failed mandate. 

Work Requirements Cost More And Cover Less. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, these onerous requirements could take health care away from up to 4 Million Americans.  Meanwhile, a recent GAO report found that the administrative costs to implement the failed work requirement programs in five states topped $400 million.

More Than One Million Children Nationwide Have Already Lost Coverage Due To Trump-Backed Efforts To Restrict Medicaid Access. As more than a million children disappeared from Medicaid rolls between 2017 and 2018, health care experts pointed to a “chilling effect” from Trump’s signature policies, including work requirements and frequent eligibility checks. Joan Alker, Executive Director of the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families, said: “This serious erosion of children’s health coverage is due in large part to the Trump Administration’s actions that have made health care harder to access and have deterred families from enrolling their children.” 

Four Reasons Why You Should Ignore Big Pharma’s Fear Mongering 

1. More Investment ≠ Increased Research and Development. Recent analysis by the Campaign for Sustainable Rx Pricing found that, after receiving billions in tax cuts from Trump’s Tax Cuts And Jobs Act, pharmaceutical companies used these savings to more than double shareholder payouts while only increasing research and development spending by 6 percent in 2018.
2. Major Drug Companies Often Outsource Research and Development. According to a new analysis from Stat, a majority of top-selling drugs from two of the largest drug companies– Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson — were discovered and developed by third parties, such as universities and academic centers. These findings suggest that “a reduction in pharmaceutical revenues would not have the supposed devastating impact on the level of biopharmaceutical innovation.”
3. Taxpayers Already Subsidize The Development Of New Drugs. According to Americans for Tax Fairness, the National Institutes of Health spent $100 billion funding research that helped produce all 210 new drugs approved for use in the U.S. between 2010 and 2016. Pharmaceutical companies also receive billions in tax credits for research. 
4. Drugs Don’t Help People If They Can’t Afford Them. Illinois Alliance for Retired Americans and AFSCME member Jim Riordan spoke at an H.R. 3 press event with Speaker Pelosi saying, “My doctors prescribed Xolair to treat my asthma. The recommended dosage for me is four injections per month, which cost $24,000 a month. Medicare pays for 80%, but that leaves a monthly bill of $4800. My wife and I have a limited income. We simply can’t afford $4,800 a month for one medication. I tried only one injection per month, and now I’m on two per month, but not taking the full dosage is seriously affecting my health.” A 2017 report from the National Academies of Medicine on lowering costs and protecting innovation concluded, “drugs that are not affordable are of little value.” 

Starting with his time as a candidate, President Trump has vocally supported giving Medicare the power to negotiate for lower drug prices. Trump has praised the policy again and again, both on the campaign trail and in the White House. Yet with the House poised to pass the Lower Drug Costs Now Act this week, a bill that finally does what he promised and just months ago he lauded as “great to see,” he threatens it with a veto. President Trump’s hypocrisy on giving Medicare the power to negotiate for lower prices isn’t shocking given how time and again he ends up choosing Big Pharma and protecting their profits over siding with Americans who want lower costs.         

To understand Trump’s true hypocrisy on this issue, here’s a timeline of his evolution on Medicare negotiation: 

2016: TRUMP SUPPORTS “BIDDING OUT” DRUGS FOR MEDICARE AND ANYONE WHO OPPOSES IT IS CONTROLLED BY PHARMA

JANUARY 2016: Trump Said He Would “Bid Out” Drugs For Medicare And Save $300 Billion. [Donald Trump, Rally, Farmington, NH, 1/25/16] 

• HEADLINE: “Donald Trump Endorses An Idea Liberals Love: Letting Medicare Negotiate Drug Prices.” [Vox, 1/26/16] 
• HEADLINE: “Donald Trump Says Medicare Should Negotiate Drug Prices” [Associated Press, 1/26/16] 

FEBRUARY 2016: Trump: “If We Competitively Bid Drugs In The United States, We Could Save As Much As $300 Billion A Year. Think Of That.” [Donald Trump, Rally, Holderness, NH, 2/7/16] 

FEBRUARY 2016: Trump Said The Drug Company Lobby Was Preventing Price Negotiations. “We’re not allowed to negotiate. If we negotiated — if we negotiated the price of drugs — and what you do is simple do a favored-nations list, whoever pot — right? Simple. Whoever pays the lowest cost throughout the world for these drugs we get that. And I’d say a 10% discount, right? We would save $300 billion a year. Think of it, one simple thing. But we can’t negotiate with the drug companies because all these guys that I’m running against and others and others won’t allow that to happen. Because the big drug companies have a lobby.” [Donald Trump, Rally, Tampa, FL, 2/7/16] 

FEBRUARY 2016: Trump: “We Don’t Really Negotiate The Price Of Drugs Because We’re Prohibited From Doing So. If We Did, We Would Save Perhaps $300 Billion A Year.” [Donald Trump, Rally, Greenville, SC, 2/15/16] 

FEBRUARY 2016: Trump: “If We Negotiated The Price Of Drugs, We’d Save $300 Billion A Year.” [MSNBC Town Hall, 2/17/16] 

FEBRUARY 2016: Trump: “We’re Going To Put Drugs Out To Bid Folks. And We’re Going To Save $300 Billion A Year.”  [Donald Trump, Rally, Gaffney, SC, 2/18/16] 

FEBRUARY 2016: Trump Said He Supported “Bidding Out” Drugs And Doing “A Favored Nations Laws” To Index Drug Prices To International Prices. “ We don’t bid the cost of drugs. We don’t bid it out. If we bid it out we would save approximately $300 billion, OK? $300 billion.”  [Donald Trump, Rally, Charleston, SC, 2/19/16] 

FEBRUARY 2016: Trump: “We Would Save $300 Billion A Year In This Country If We Bid Out Drugs.” [Donald Trump, Rally, Pawleys Island, SC, 2/19/16] 

FEBRUARY 2016: Trump: “If We Bid Out Pharmaceuticals Drugs And Those Things We Would Save Each Year $300 Billion.” “If we bid out pharmaceuticals drugs and those things we would save each year $300 billion.’ Three hundred billion dollars as a country.” [Donald Trump, Rally, Las Vegas, NV, 2/22/16] 

FEBRUARY 2016: Trump: “The Pharmaceutical Industry Takes Care Of All The Senators And All The Congressmen, Have A Very Strong Lobby And They Don’t Want To Bid Our Drugs.”…”If You Bid Them Up We’ll Save $300 Billion.” [Donald Trump, Rally, Virginia Beach, VA, 2/24/16] 

FEBRUARY 2016: Trump: “We’re Going To Change The System, We’re Going To Clean It Up. We’re Going To Clean It Up. You Know, We Could Save As Much As $300 Billion If We Went Out And Bid.” [Donald Trump, Rally, Valdosta, GA, 2/26/16] 

FEBRUARY 2016: Trump: “I Don’t Give A Damn About The Drug Companies. I Don’t Give A Damn.”We don’t bid. Why don’t we bid? Because the drug companies have these guys totally under control. I don’t give a damn about the drug companies. I don’t give a damn. So the money that we’ll save and here’s the end result. The end result is the product will be better.” [Donald Trump, Rally, Bentonville, AR, 2/27/16] 

MARCH 2016: Trump: “Because Of The Fact That The Pharmaceutical Companies Are Not Mandated To Bid Properly, They Have Hundreds Of Billions Of Dollars In Waste.” [Donald Trump, Republican Presidential Debate, 3/3/16] 

MARCH 2016: Trump: “We’ll Save Hundreds Of Millions Of Dollars Billions Of Dollars By Bidding.” “Essentially we don’t bid our drugs we’re the largest purchaser of drugs in the world. Drugs to make you better. We’re the largest purchaser of drugs in the world and we don’t put it out because the drug companies, they have such a monopoly over these senators that we deal with. ” [Donald Trump, Rally, Wichita, KS, 3/5/16] 

2017: TRUMP “ABSOLUTELY” STILL IN FAVOR OF PRICE NEGOTIATIONS 

JANUARY 2017: Trump: “The Other Thing We Have To Do Is Create New Bidding Procedures For The Drug Industry Because They’re Getting Away With Murder.” [Donald Trump, Press Conference, New York, NY, 1/11/17] 

FEBRUARY 2017: Sean Spicer Stated That Trump Was “Absolutely” Still In Favor Of Medicare Price Negotiations. “Question: So is he for Medicare negotiating drug prices, or not? Sean Spicer: He’s for it, yes. He wants to make sure — Question: He’s still for it? Spicer:  Absolutely.” [Press Briefing by Press Secretary Sean Spicer, 2/7/17] 

MARCH 2017: Trump: “We Are Also Going To Work On Bringing Down The Cost Of Medicine By Having A Fair And Competitive Bidding Process.” The cost of medicine in this country is outrageous, many times higher than in some countries in Europe and elsewhere. Why? Same pill, same manufacturer, identical, and it’s many times higher in the United States. You know why? Campaign contributions, who knows? But somebody is getting very rich. We’re going to bring it down and we’re going to have a great, competitive bidding process. Medicine prices will be coming way down, way, way, way down. And that’s going to happen fast.” [Donald Trump, Rally, Louisville, KY, 3/20/17] 

MARCH 2017: Trump: “We’re Going To Bid Out Drug Prices And We’re Going To Try And Have The Lowest Prices Anywhere In The World From Really The Highest.” We’ll probably need some legislation but we’re going to do it regardless. We have to do it and we’re going to get drug prices way down, way down. Some people think it’s as important as the healthcare measure because people are being ripped off when they need they’re – they need drugs. They need prescription drugs and we’re going to take care of that situation.” [Donald Trump, Meeting with the Congressional Black Caucus, Washington, DC, 3/22/17] 

2018: TRUMP DROPS “CALL FOR MEDICARE TO NEGOTIATE LOWER DRUG PRICES”

MAY 2018: HEADLINE: “Trump to Drop Call for Medicare to Negotiate Lower Drug Prices” [New York Times, 5/10/18] 

MAY 2018: New York Times: “In A Break From One Of His Most Popular Campaign Promises, He Will Not Call For Medicare To Negotiate Lower Prices With Drug Manufacturers.” “President Trump will lay out on Friday a broad strategy to reduce prescription drug prices, but in a break from one of his most popular campaign promises, he will not call for Medicare to negotiate lower prices with drug manufacturers, senior administration officials said. [New York Times, 5/10/18] 

MAY 2018: A “Senior Administration Official” Said “We Are Not Calling For Medicare Negotiation In The Way That Democrats Have Called For.” [New York Times, 5/10/18] 

MAY 2018: Trump’s Top Health Care Officials “Strenuously Oppose” Medicare Negotiation. “As a presidential candidate, Mr. Trump supported two ideas that are anathema to the pharmaceutical industry: allowing Medicare officials to negotiate prices and allowing consumers to import prescription drugs from Canada and certain other countries where brand-name drug prices are generally lower than in the United States. But top administration officials, like Alex M. Azar II, the secretary of health and human services, and Dr. Scott Gottlieb, the commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, strenuously oppose those ideas.  [New York Times, 5/10/18] 

MAY 2018: Washington Post: Trump’s Drug Plan Will “Seek To Improve Negotiation Within The Medicare Program, But Not By Using The Government’s Clout To Negotiate For Medicare As Trump Has Previously Proposed.” [Washington Post, 5/10/18] 

• Washington Post: “During His Presidential Campaign, Trump Called For The Government To Use Its Clout To Negotiate Medicare Drug Prices, But Senior Administration Officials Said He Would Not Call For That Change — Which Is Stridently Opposed By Drug Companies.” [Washington Post, 5/10/18] 

MAY 2018: HEADLINE: “Trump Sells Out To The Drug Companies, According To Trump” [Washington Post, 5/11/18] 

2019: TRUMP CAVES TO BIG PHARMA, ISSUES VETO THREAT ON H.R. 3 

SEPTEMBER 2019: Trump Said It Was “Great To See” Nancy Pelosi’s Prescription Drug Price Bill Which Included Medicare Negotiations.  “Trump praised the rollout of the plan by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., on Thursday, tweeting that ‘it’s great to see Speaker Pelosi’s bill today. Let’s get it done in a bipartisan way!’” [NBC News, 9/20/19] 

• SEPTEMBER 2019: HEADLINE: “Trump Praises Rollout Of Pelosi’s Drug Pricing Bill After Mcconnell Rejects The Measure” [NBC News, 9/20/19] 

NOVEMBER 2019: Trump: “Pelosi And Her Do Nothing Democrats Drug Pricing Bill Doesn’t Do The Trick. FEWER Cures! FEWER Treatments!” [@realDonaldTrump, 11/22/19] 

DECEMBER 2019: Trump Said He Would Veto H.R. 3. “If H.R. 3 were presented to the President in its current form, he would veto the bill.” [Statement of Administration Policy, HR 3, 12/10/19] 

Washington, DC — As President Trump heads to Hershey, Pennsylvania for a rally tonight, his sure-to-be raucous speech likely won’t include any mention of his plans to sabotage Pennsylvanians’ health care through his ongoing lawsuit to overturn the Affordable Care Act and end Medicaid expansion in the state. Ahead of Trump’s rally, Protect Our Care Chair Leslie Dach released the following statement:

“Here’s what Pennsylvanians won’t hear tonight — any mention from President Trump about his plans to end the expansion of the state’s Medicaid program and his lawsuit to take away their health care. President Trump’s lawsuit to repeal our health care law would rip coverage away from more than 850,000 Pennsylvanians, strip away protections for 5 million Pennsylvanians with pre-existing conditions, eliminate key support for rural hospitals, and put access to treatment for people with opioid use disorder in jeopardy. The Republican push to end Medicaid expansion won’t be tolerated in Pennsylvania. Voters are sick and tired of President Trump and his Republican allies playing politics with their health care.” 

BACKGROUND:

If Trump Gets His Way, Pennsylvanians Would Lose Their Coverage

• 858,000 Pennsylvanians could lose coverage. According to the Urban Institute, 858,000 Pennsylvanians would lose coverage by repealing the Affordable Care Act, leading to a 133 percent increase in the uninsured rate.
• 89,000 Pennsylvania young adults with their parents’ coverage could lose care. Because of the Affordable Care Act, millions of young adults are able to stay on their parents’ care until age 26.
• 39,000 Pennsylvania children could lose their coverage. Almost three million children nationwide gained coverage thanks to the ACA. If the law is overturned, many of these children will lose their insurance.

If Trump Gets His Way, Insurance Companies Would Be Put Back In Charge, Ending Protections For The 135 Million People Nationwide With A Pre-Existing Condition

• According to a recent analysis by the Center for American Progress, roughly half of nonelderly Americans, or as many as 135 million people, have a pre-existing condition. This includes:
  • 44 million people who have high blood pressure
  • 45 million people who have behavioral health disorders
  • 44 million people who have high cholesterol
  • 34 million people who have asthma and chronic lung disease
  • 34 million people who have osteoarthritis and other joint disorders
• 5,253,600 Pennsylvanians have a pre-existing condition, including 634,900 Pennsylvania children, 2,574,000 Pennsylvania women, and 1,366,200 Pennsylvanians between ages 55 and 64. 

If Trump Gets His Way, Medicaid Expansion Would Be Repealed

• 800,900 Pennsylvanians Enrolled Through Medicaid Expansion Could Lose Coverage. Seventeen million people have coverage through the expanded Medicaid program, including 800,900 in Pennsylvania.
• Access To Treatment Would Be In Jeopardy For 800,000 People With Opioid Use Disorder. Roughly four in ten, or 800,000 people with an opioid use disorder are enrolled in Medicaid. Many became eligible through Medicaid expansion.
• Key Support For Rural Hospitals Would Disappear, leaving Pennsylvania hospitals with $1.8 billion more in uncompensated care. 

Under Speaker Pelosi’s Leadership, House Democrats Prepare to Pass Historic Legislation to Lower Drug Prices and Expand Medicare

Washington, DC — As the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act (H.R. 3) works its way through the House of Representatives this week, Protect Our Care Executive Director Brad Woodhouse issued the following statement:

“Under the leadership of Speaker Pelosi, House Democrats this week are poised to pass groundbreaking legislation that will lower drug costs for the American people, stand up to Big Pharma and make historic new investments in Medicare. This bill includes the most comprehensive drug pricing reform in American history and the largest expansion to Medicare benefits in decades. For years Democrats have fought to give Medicare the power to negotiate for lower drug prices and to expand Medicare benefits to include vision, dental, and hearing and this bill does both. 

“Unfortunately, Republicans remain in the pockets of the drug industry and their lobbyists, and continue to oppose giving Medicare the power to negotiate for lower prices. There is no tool more popular and more effective in lowering costs for the American people, which is why Big Pharma is fighting so hard to oppose H.R. 3 and it’s why any Republican-sponsored legislation that does not give Medicare that power is unacceptable.”

BACKGROUND:

How The Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act Reins In Prescription Drug Costs: 

• The plan gives Medicare the power to negotiate with drug companies for lower drug prices.
• Not only will those on Medicare benefit from these savings, but the lower prices would apply to anyone purchasing drugs no matter how they are insured. Prices would go down for those who get insurance from employers and those who buy it directly from insurance companies. Whether you’re a child with asthma, a teen with diabetes or a young parent with a rare illness, this bill will bring drug prices down for everyone. 
• This plan will stop unjustified price gouging for thousands of medications and require drug companies to lower their prices or pay a penalty. 
• Drug companies would be penalized if they keep the system rigged and their prices high. 
• Independent analysts have confirmed this bill reduces prescription costs for patients by up to 55% and saves taxpayers $500 billion.  
• These savings will be used for a historic expansion of Medicare benefits so it covers hearing, vision, and dental care for the first time.

Protect Our Care’s ongoing work to promote the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act (H.R. 3) includes hosting more than 40 events, press calls, and roundtables in 14 states plus the District of Columbia, placing op-eds and letters to the editor around the country, releasing polling showing broad bipartisan support for major provisions of the bill and $2 million on digital and connected TV advertising in 20 targeted congressional districts.