WASHINGTON,
D.C. – U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) continued her efforts
to find ways to lower prescription drug prices, especially for seniors,
persons with disabilities, and the uninsured. At a news conference
today, Schakowsky joined Representative Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and others
to introduce the Affordable Prescription Drug Act. Brown is the chief
sponsor of the legislation.
The
bill would require pharmaceutical companies to open their books and disclose
what it actually costs to manufacture drugs. This would help determine
if patients are being charged excessive and inflated prices. Manufacturers
who fail to provide this information would lose their access to Medicaid,
VA, and all other federal health care programs.
The
legislation would also give the federal government the authority to intervene
to lower the prices of prescription drugs if they are priced at unjustifiably
high levels and if there is a public health need. This would be accomplished
through compulsory licensing. The federal government would require
the drug manufactures to license their patents to generic drug companies
to manufacture equivalent, high quality drugs at lower cost. Generic
drug companies would be required to pay the patent holders a fee or royalty.
"Why
are so many people forced to make harmful quality of life decisions every
day? Why are seniors being placed in the cruel position of having
to decide whether to pay for their prescription or buy groceries?
The answer is simple. Pharmaceutical companies have priced many people
who need prescription medication right out of the market. This practice
must come to an end," Schakowsky said.
"The
public needs to know why drug companies decide to charge outrageous prices
for their products. Having access to their books is a sure way to
help end the abuse. This bill, in addition to other proposals in
Congress, will help many Americans put their prescription drugs back in
their medicine cabinets and food back in their cupboards," Schakowsky added.
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