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ROUNDUP: Lawmakers and Advocates Across the Nation Celebrate First-Ever Negotiated Drug Prices And Inflation Reduction Act Anniversary With Protect Our Care

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August 20, 2024
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U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin and Tim Kaine, U.S Representatives Gwen Moore, Matt Cartwright, and Susie Lee, and HHS Regional Directors Dr. Jeffrey Reynoso and Antrell Tyson Joined Protect Our Care Alongside Other Health Care Advocates

Over the past week, Democratic lawmakers and health care advocates joined Protect Our Care for 17 events in 14 states to celebrate the second anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act. Members of Congress, local elected officials, and advocates headlined events in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wisconsin. The Inflation Reduction Act anniversary came the day after the Biden-Harris administration announced lower prices for 10 of the highest-cost, most popular drugs taken by people on Medicare – all made possible through the Inflation Reduction Act. Passed by Democrats in Congress and the Biden-Harris administration in 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act gave Medicare the power to negotiate lower drug prices with manufacturers for the first time in history. This announcement follows a long line of actions the Biden-Harris administration has taken to reduce prescription drug and health care costs for the American people.

At the same time, Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress are fighting to roll back this progress and repeal the Inflation Reduction Act’s historic measures to lower drug prices for seniors. Just weeks after Trump’s inauguration in 2017, he dropped his promise to negotiate drug prices after meeting with big drug company lobbyists. Now, he wants to ban Medicare from negotiating down prices for millions of Americans. Repealing these policies would cost seniors billions of dollars — only putting money back in the pockets of big drug companies.

ARIZONA

Tuesday, August 13 – IRA Anniversary Event with HHS SW Regional Director Dr. Jeffrey Reynoso, and Health Care Advocates: HHS SW Regional Director Dr. Jeffrey Reynoso, Doug Hart of AARA, Les Braswell of Honest Arizona and Aaron Marquez of Vets Forward joined Protect Our Care Arizona to celebrate the second anniversary of the passing of the Inflation Reduction Act and highlight the critical benefits that the IRA brings for Arizonans. “It’s an honor to be part of the Biden-Harris administration who has made great strides in reducing health care costs since entering office in 2021 by working day-in and day-out for the American people,” said Dr. Reynoso. “The Inflation Reduction Act, or the new Lower Costs Prescription Drug Law, is one of the most consequential health care laws since the Affordable Care Act and is delivering lower prescription drug costs, making health insurance more affordable, and making the economy work better. You can watch the event here and view the post-event release here. 

CALIFORNIA

Friday, August 16 – IRA Anniversary Event Ahead of DNC with Health Care Advocates: Izeah Chairez, National Union of Healthcare Workers representative, and Florice Hoffman, health care advocate, joined Protect Our Care CA to mark the second anniversary of President Biden signing the Inflation Reduction Act into law and highlight the health care benefits Californians are receiving through this landmark legislation. “I live in Michelle Steel’s district so I’ve seen firsthand what she would do if re-elected with Trump and a MAGA Congress. She would repeal the Inflation Reduction Act, raising prescription drug prices, and she would repeal the Affordable Care Act, kicking millions of Americans off their health care.” said Izeah Chairez. “Her positions are out of touch with the hard-working Californians of her district. Michelle Steel will never do what’s right for California families.” You can watch the event here, and view the post-event release here. 

FLORIDA

Friday, August 16 – IRA Anniversary Event with Miramar Mayor Wayne Messam, Pembroke Pines Mayor Angelo Castillo, Advocates, and Patient Storytellers: Miramar Mayor Wayne Messam, Pembroke Pines Mayor Angelo Castillo, advocates, and patient storytellers joined Protect Our Care Floridato mark the second anniversary of President Biden signing the Inflation Reduction Act into law and highlight the health care benefits Floridians are receiving through this landmark legislation. “Since the pandemic, life has been very difficult for many of our seniors. When the rising cost of housing and needing to make end’s meet is exacerbated by out of control medication costs, it just makes life that much more difficult, said Miramar Mayor Wayne Messam. When President Biden and Vice President Harris announce that for the first time ever that Medicare has been empowered to negotiate favorable rates for beneficiaries under Medicare, it is transformational. It is life-saving, and it improves the quality of life for our residents.” You can watch the event here, and view the post-event release here.

  • CBS Morning News in Miami with Miramar Mayor Wayne Messam
  • CBS Miami: Local leaders spotlight negotiations to bring down medication prices
  • Sun-Sentinel: What lower prescription drug prices mean for South Florida seniors

GEORGIA

Thursday, August 15 – IRA Anniversary Event with HHS Regional Director Antrell Tyson, State Representative Jasmine Clark, and Health Care Advocates: Antrell Tyson, Health and Human Services Regional Director for Region 4, State Representative Dr. Jasmine Clark and Abbie Fuksman, a retired health insurance executive and cancer survivor joined Protect Our Care Georgia to mark the second anniversary of President Biden signing the Inflation Reduction Act into law and highlight the health care benefits Georgians are receiving through this landmark legislation. “Today marks a significant milestone in our journey toward more affordable healthcare. Just two years after the passage of this groundbreaking legislation, we are already witnessing reductions in health insurance premiums and prescription drug costs for Georgians. Today’s announcement of lower prescription drug prices, made possible through Medicare negotiations under the Inflation Reduction Act, is truly remarkable,” said Antrell Tyson, Health and Human Services Regional Director for Region 4. You can watch the event here, and view the post-event release here.

  • The Niagara Gazette: Drugs to treat diabetes, heart disease and blood cancers among those affected by price negotiations

MICHIGAN

Thursday, August 15 – IRA Anniversary Event with State Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou and Health Care Advocates: Michigan leaders and patients joined Protect Our Care Michigan to mark the second anniversary of President Biden signing the Inflation Reduction Act into law just hours after Medicare announced significant cost savings from historic negotiations to lower costs.“For Michiganders who work hard and save every dollar, the Inflation Reduction Act helps them spend less on health care, save money and live better lives. Those savings are at risk because MAGA Republicans and former President Trump are threatening to make dangerous cuts to health care that will raise costs for families and line the pockets of drug companies and insurance CEOs. In a second term, Trump will try to stop Medicare from negotiating lower drug prices, while slashing tens of billions from Medicare to pay for tax breaks for the wealthy,” said Michigan state Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou. You can watch the event here, and view the post-event release here.

  • WILX: 10 Prescription drugs to have reduced prices

MINNESOTA

Monday, August 12 – Tim Walz Health Care Champion and IRA Anniversary Event with Attorney General Ellison and Health Care Advocates: Attorney General Keith Ellison, Nicole Smith-Holt, Dr. Kelly Morrison and advocate Nancy Florence joined Protect Our Care Minnesota to highlight how Governor Tim Walz (D-MN) has championed better health care and lower costs for Minnesotans. Gov. Tim Walz is a health care champion with a demonstrated record of fighting to ensure that his constituents have access to affordable, high-quality health care. While in Congress, he helped pass the Affordable Care Act, and he has since worked to safeguard and build on its success. Walz has fought to protect Medicaid and Medicare, lower prescription drug costs, and protect access to reproductive health care.“Thanks to the Biden-Harris administration and Democrats, more Americans than ever have health insurance,” said Attorney General Keith Ellison. “Here in Minnesota, Governor Walz has stood up to Big Pharma, and been there on the side of Minnesotans who need affordable health care and who need affordable drugs that keep people alive literally every day. I know Governor Walz will continue to work tirelessly to expand affordable health care and help Minnesota families and families everywhere breathe a little bit easier.” You can watch the event here, and view the post-event release here.

NEVADA

Thursday, August 15 — IRA Anniversary Event with Congresswoman Susie Lee and Health Care Advocates: Congresswoman Susie Lee, IRA beneficiary Donna West, and the Nevada Alliance for Retired Americans joined Protect Our Care Nevada and For Our Future to mark the second anniversary of President Biden signing the Inflation Reduction Act into law and highlight the health care benefits Nevadans are receiving through this landmark legislation. You can watch the event here, and view the post-event release here.

 NEW HAMPSHIRE

Monday, August 5 — IRA Anniversary and GOP Accountability Event with NH Senator Becky Whitley, Granite State Progress, and Health Care Advocates: New Hampshire Senator Becky Whitley, Zandra Rice Hawkins of Granite State Progress and health care advocates joined Protect Our Care New Hampshire to highlight how GOP attacks on affordable, comprehensive health care will hurt New Hampshire. Speakers discussed how MAGA Republican lawmakers and their allies continue to threaten to repeal the ACA, while also working to dismantle reproductive health care, hike premiums, slash Medicare and Medicaid, reverse recent coverage gains and raise prescription drug costs. “healthcare costs are already too high in New Hampshire,” said NH Sen. Becky Whitley. “If Trump and his MAGA allies take power, these costs will only increase. This is the absolute wrong direction. We’ve worked hard in NH, in a bipartisan way, to expand access to health care for Granite Staters, including Medicaid expansion, support for new moms and babies, mental health services, and support and services for individuals with disabilities.” You can watch the event here, and view the post-event release here.

  • InDepthNH: Republicans’ Project 2025 Plan Panned by Disability Rights Advocates at State House

Friday, August 16 – Inflation Reduction Act Anniversary Event with HHS Regional Director Everett Handford and Advocate: HHS Regional Director Everett Handford and Moms Rising Campaign Director Nancy Glynn joined Protect Our Care New Hampshire to discuss the benefits that granite staters are receiving thanks to this historic legislation and the recent announcement of the newly negotiated prescription drug costs. “For Granite Staters who have long been feeling the devastating effects of high drug costs, I can finally say there is light at the end of the tunnel,” said HHS Regional Director Everett Handford. “Thanks to the provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act, 6,860 Medicare Part D enrollees in New Hampshire will now have their prescription drugs capped at $2,000 per a year. Granite Staters on Medicare will be protected from big PhRMA arbitrary price hikes. 11,525 Granite Staters will have insulin capped at $35 per a month. 36,848 Granite Staters will save monthly on health insurance premiums.” You can view the post-event release here, and watch the full event here. 

NEW YORK

Friday, August 16 — IRA Anniversary Event with Former Congressman Mondaire Jones and New York Health Care Advocates:New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, former Congressman Mondaire Jones, New York State Senator Pete Harckham,1199SEIU and local advocates joined Protect Our Care at Pierson Park in Tarrytown to celebrate the second anniversary of President Biden signing the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) into law, and to highlight the historic benefits New Yorkers have received as a result of this landmark legislation. “People have heard me say over and over that despite our best efforts to make New York and Westchester affordable for all New Yorkers, we can only do so much without Congressional support. That’s why the Inflation Reduction Act is a milestone worthy of celebrating today, on its second anniversary,” New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said. “If we work together at the federal and state levels, we can make real progress in making a difference in the lives of people here in Westchester and all of New York. That’s what we have achieved through the Inflation Reduction Act and the Biden-Harris administration.” “Two years ago, I was proud to vote to pass the Inflation Reduction Act,” said former Congressman Mondaire Jones. “For too long, we’ve lived in a broken system that has allowed drug companies to charge astronomical prices while hard-working Americans like my grandmother struggle to afford medications they need to survive. I applaud the Biden-Harris Administration for yesterday’s announcement of the IRA’s Medicare Drug Negotiation Program and ensuring that health care becomes more affordable.” You can watch the event here, and view the post-event release here.

  • News 12 Westchester: New York elected officials and advocates tout the health care benefits of the Inflation Reduction Act two years on

NORTH CAROLINA

Friday, August 16 – IRA Anniversary Event with HHS Regional Director Antrell Tyson, State Representative Mara Cervania, and Advocates: HHS Regional Director Antrell Tyson and State Representative Maria Cervania joined Protect Our Care North Carolina to mark the second anniversary of President Biden signing the Inflation Reduction Act into law and highlight the health care benefits North Carolinians are receiving through this landmark legislation. For the first time in history, Medicare is negotiating prescription drug prices with pharmaceutical companies to lower costs for seniors. Today, the Biden-Harris administration announced the new, lower prices for 10 of the highest-cost, most popular drugs taken by people on Medicare. These new prices are known as “maximum fair prices,” and are the highest prices drug companies are allowed to charge for these life-saving medications. These provisions add up to big savings for North Carolinians. “It means cold hard cash remaining in the pockets of seniors,” said HHS Regional Director Antrell Tyson on the newly released prices. “This Administration was able to negotiate up to an 80 percent discount on many of the drugs that were on the list. That is savings that seniors are going to be able to keep. We estimate that to be over $1.5 billion that seniors will be able to keep once these prices go into effect. When we’re thinking of seniors, we think about our residents who have fixed income. Any dollar that we can help them save is life saving. We’re talking about saving money and changing lives.” You can watch the event here, and view the post-event release here.


OHIO

Wednesday, August 14 – IRA Anniversary Event with State Representative Michele Grim, Woodmere Village Mayor Ben Holbdert, and Health Care Advocates: Leaders from across the state of Ohio joined Protect Our Care Ohio to mark the second anniversary of President Biden signing the Inflation Reduction Act into law and highlight the health care benefits Ohioans are receiving through this landmark legislation. For the first time in history, Medicare is negotiating prescription drug prices with pharmaceutical companies to lower costs for seniors. “The Inflation Reduction Act has done a lot of good for our communities here in Ohio” said State Representative Michele Grim. “The Biden-Harris administration has saved Ohioans a lot of money, and it stands in stark contrast to what Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress are trying to do.” You can watch the event here, and view the post-event release here.


PENNSYLVANIA

Monday, August 19 – IRA Anniversary Event with Congressman Matt Cartwright and Advocates: Representative Matt Cartwright and Pittston pharmacist Joe Albert joined Protect Our Care Pennsylvania to mark the second anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act, which has delivered lower healthcare and prescription drug costs for northeastern Pennsylvanians. The Inflation Reduction Act gave Medicare the power to negotiate drug prices. On Thursday, August 15th, the Department of Health and Human Services announced new, lower prices for ten prescription drugs, which will take effect on January 1st, 2026. Nine million seniors will benefit and save money on the drugs in question: Eliquis, Enbrel, Enestro, Farxiga, Fiasp/NovoLog, Imbruvica, Januvia, Jardiance, Stelara, and Xarelto. These drugs treat blood clots, arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, psoriasis, and Crohn’s disease. “We can’t go back to diabetics being forced to ration insulin [and] put their lives at risk, said Congressman Cartwright. “We can’t go back to parents choosing between purchasing their heart medication and putting food on the table. We say enough is enough.” You can watch the event here, and view the post-event release here.

VIRGINIA

Thursday, August 15 – IRA Anniversary Event with U.S. Senator Tim Kaine and Health Care Advocates: U.S. Senator Tim Kaime, Chlo’e Edwards, Policy Director at New Virginia Majority, Freddy Mejia, Policy Director at The Commonwealth Institute, and Virginia storytellers  joined Protect Our Care Virginia to mark the second anniversary of President Biden signing the Inflation Reduction Act into law and highlight the health care benefits Virginians are receiving through this landmark legislation.  “I’m proud to have cast a deciding vote for the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which gave Medicare the power to negotiate drug prices for the very first time,” said Senator Kaine. “I promised Virginians to fight for negotiated prices when I first ran for the Senate and this breakthrough will save America’s seniors $1.5 billion and the federal budget $6 billion in the first year of implementation. And it’s only the beginning—Medicare will negotiate the prices of dozens more drugs in the coming years thanks to the IRA. I will continue to do all that I can to ensure that the many provisions of this legislation designed to lower health care prices are enacted effectively and to push for additional steps to cut costs and expand access to care.” You can watch the event here, and view the post-event release here.

  • Virginia Mercury: Kaine celebrates two-year anniversary of Inflation Reduction Act
  • Courthouse News Service: Tim Kaine, health care access advocates celebrate second anniversary of Inflation Reduction Act
  • ABC13: Senator Kaine touts the Inflation Reduction Act
  • Staunton News Leader: The effect of the Inflation Reduction Act on health care in Virginia, two years later

Friday, August 16 – IRA Anniversary Event Ahead of DNC with Delegates Michael Feggans, Phil Hernandez, and Advocates: Delegate Phil Hernandez (D-Norfolk) and Delegate Michael Feggans (D-Virginia Beach) joined Protect Our Care Virginia to celebrate the IRA anniversary ahead of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. The delegates contrasted the differences between the Biden-Harris administration’s record of protecting and expanding health care and Donald Trump and Project 2025’s plan’s to rip health care away from seniors and hardworking families. “The two different visions that you’re hearing about health care could not be more different,” said Delegate Phil Hernandez. “On one hand, you’ve got President Biden, Vice President Harris, who, two years ago, signed into law the Inflation Reduction Act …. One of the really powerful things that it did was giving Medicare, for the first time in history, the ability to negotiate prescription drug prices. That’s something that has been in the works for a long, long time. They actually got it done.” You can watch the event here, and view the post-event release here.

  • WVEC: Delegates speak about IRA anniversary ahead of DNC
  • WVEC: IRA anniversary and DNC Preview event with VA Delegates

WISCONSIN

Thursday, August 15 – Inflation Reduction Act Anniversary Event with Congresswoman Gwen Moore and Health Care Advocates: U.S. Representative Gwen Moore joined Protect Our Care Wisconsin to mark the second anniversary of President Biden signing the Inflation Reduction Act into law and highlight the health care benefits Wisconsinites are receiving through this landmark legislation. Thanks to the Biden-Harris administration and Democrats in Congress, more Americans than ever before have health insurance, the cost of insulin is capped at $35 dollars, seniors are protected from drug company price hikes, and seniors’ prescription drug costs will be capped at $2,000 dollars per year starting next year. “The Inflation Reduction Act has reduced our deficit,” said U.S. Representative Gwen Moore. “Republicans always complain about the deficits, well this is one of the ways it’s been so high, this is fair, this is just, this is equitable.” You can watch the event here, and view the post-event release here.  

Thursday, August 15 – Medicare Drug Negotiation Event with Senator Tammy Baldwin and Health Care Advocates: Senator Tammy Baldwin joined Protect Our Care Wisconsin to highlight the first ten drugs whose prices will be lowered as a result of the Inflation Reduction Act. Following months of negotiations with drug manufacturers, today the Biden-Harris administration announced the final prices. The Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program will lower costs for some of the highest-cost prescription drugs on the market used to treat conditions like cancer, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders. You can watch the event here.

  • CBS58: These 10 drugs will now be cheaper for people on Medicare; political debate continues over change
  • News 8 Now: Baldwin celebrates round of negotiated lower Medicare drug prices
  • WQOW (ABC): Baldwin celebrates prescription drug negotiations
  • WKBT (CBS): Senator Tammy Baldwin celebrates Inflation Reduction Act drug price negotiations 
  • WFRV (CBS): (Preview Clip) Baldwin and Hovde on Drug Price Cuts
  • WKBT (CBS): (Preview Clip) Baldwin celebrates White House prescription drug announcement
  • WDJT-MILW (CBS): Debate Over Medicare Drug Prices
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