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Dear Editor:
Americans pay the highest brand-named drug prices in the world. Congress, the Administration, and our own Wisconsin legislators must take action now to lower prescription drug costs, which is the root of this problem.
I am a volunteer for AARP, which has launched a national campaign called "Stop Rx Greed" that urges federal and state policymakers to crack down on price-gouging drug companies.
Prescription drugs don't work if patients can't afford them. Some people, including many senior citizens on fixed incomes, often have to choose each month between paying rent, buying groceries or keeping up with their costly lifesaving medications.
Meanwhile, Big Pharma is fighting for the status quo and blocking improvements to the system that could bring relief for seniors, families, and small businesses.
Wisconsin's congressional delegation is in a position to lead on this issue and make a difference. The Senate needs to pass the Prescription Drug Pricing Reduction Act when senators return from this August recess. Senators Ron Johnson and Tammy Baldwin should back this vital legislation, which passed the Senate Finance Committee in July with strong bipartisan support.
AARP urges all Wisconsin lawmakers to work together to protect older Americans by passing bipartisan, commonsense legislation to lower prescription drug prices. Wisconsinites can take action too by visiting: aarp.org/StopRxGreed
Sincerely Buzz Marshall
Livingston