Our senators can’t let Big Pharma keep ripping off older Delawareans.
My Eliquis prescription is creating a real strain on my finances. I need Eliquis because it works much better for me than Warfarin. When I first started taking my medicine years ago, the co-pay was reasonable. The cost kept escalating, and by the end of 2021, it had tripled. It is now very difficult for me to afford Eliquis, at more than $1,000 annually.
I’ve asked about taking similar medications, but they cost just as much as Eliquis. I need this medication to stay alive, and my options are limited.
I’m retired, but I worked all my life, including 35 years as an EMT and volunteer firefighter. I deserve better.
That’s why I’m glad AARP is urging federal and state policymakers to let Medicare negotiate for lower drug prices. It would save people like me and the Medicare program billions of dollars.
Don’t believe what Big Pharma tells you. The proposed legislation would not allow the government to decide which drugs would be available for seniors. Medicare Part D would still make the decision.
According to AARP’s Public Policy Institute, medicines that people need most rose exponentially between 2015-20. Victoza for diabetes went up over $4,000 a year. Spiriva for asthma went up over $1,500. And did you know that Revlimid, which treats forms of cancer, currently costs patients more than $250,000 a year!?
No American should be forced to choose between paying for the medicines they need and paying for food, rent or other necessities. We urge Delaware lawmakers to work together with all members of Congress now to protect older Americans and pass bipartisan, commonsense legislation to lower prescription drug prices.
W. Mike McMichael
Delaware City
