Prescription Drugs

I strongly support efforts to expand access to low-cost medication, and I have cosponsored legislation designed to bring down drug costs. First, the Pharmaceutical Market Access and Drug Safety Act of 2009 would allow for the re-importation of prescription medication from countries like Canada, where drug prices are significantly lower than those in the United States. Second, the Medicare Prescription Drug Price Negotiation Act of 2010 would allow the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to negotiate prescription drug prices with pharmaceutical companies for Medicare.

Additionally, I was a proud supporter of provisions in the Affordable Care Act, the national health care reform law, that work to close the Medicare Part D coverage gap – the so-called “donut hole.” Under these provisions, Medicare Part D beneficiaries in our area who entered the donut hole in 2010 were eligible to receive a one-time, tax-free $250 rebate check in the mail to help pay for their prescriptions. If you entered the donut hole in 2010 and did not receive a check, please call 1-800-MEDICARE to inquire about your status. Starting in 2011, seniors in the donut hole will receive a 50% discount on brand-name drugs, and the donut hole will be gradually closed.

I will continue to support these and other policies that reduce the price of prescription drugs during the 112th Congress.

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