Washington, D.C. – Today the National Coalition on Health Care announced that AARP has officially joined the coalition’s Campaign for Sustainable Rx Pricing. AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million Americans and shares the Campaign’s goal of finding market-based solutions to reverse the trend of high and rising prescription drug prices.
“AARP represents nearly 38 million Americans and is a proven leader in the fight for affordable prescription drugs,” said John Rother, executive director of the Campaign for Sustainable Rx Pricing. “AARP’s research and advocacy has been pivotal in highlighting the problem of rising drug costs and the broad effects prescription price hikes have on our entire health care system. Together we will continue to identify market-based solutions to end skyrocketing prescription drugs costs and make treatments affordable for all patients.”
“AARP is pleased to join the Campaign for Sustainable Rx Pricing,” said Debra Whitman, PhD, AARP Chief Public Policy Officer. “Although older Americans are particularly vulnerable to high prescription drug costs, this problem has serious health and financial implications for all Americans. By working together, we can help identify sensible solutions to rising drug prices that balance affordability with the need for continued innovation in the pharmaceutical industry.”
Lowering prescription drug prices is a bipartisan issue that has gained national attention, including from presidential candidates on both sides of the aisle. Every major presidential candidate has weighed in on the issue as voters demand action and the 2016 election cycle picks up steam. Today, nearly three-quarters (73 percent) of the public view prescription drug costs as unreasonable, and one in four patients (24 percent) say they have not filled a prescription because of cost. Voters are looking for candidates at all levels to find common-sense solutions to make prescription drugs affordable.
To learn more about the Campaign for Sustainable Rx Pricing, visit www.CSRxP.org.
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About the Campaign for Sustainable Rx Pricing
The Campaign for Sustainable Rx Pricing (CSRxP) is a project of the National Coalition on Health Care, the oldest and most diverse group working to achieve comprehensive health system reform representing more than 80 participating organizations, including medical societies, businesses, unions, health care providers, faith-based associations, pension and health funds, insurers and groups representing consumers, patients, women, minorities and persons with disabilities. Member organizations collectively represent – as employees, members, or congregants – over 100 million Americans. CSRxP aims to spark a national dialogue about the need to find market-driven solutions to the problems caused by the onslaught of new high-priced prescription medicines. Visit www.CSRxP.org and follow CSRxP on Twitter.
About AARP
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services. A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world’s largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Español, a Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.