Washington, D.C. – (July 26, 2023) – Matt Eyles, President and CEO of AHIP, issued the following statement as Congressional committees continue their work on health care proposals focused on key issues, such as prescription drugs, pharmacy benefits, and transparency in Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial coverage markets:
“Every American deserves affordable access to care, including to the prescription drugs they need. For years, AHIP has advocated for solutions that will improve affordability and access for everyone. We agree that Americans deserve more affordable prescription drugs, and we support transparency that provides clear, simple information that helps patients and purchasers make decisions related to their care.
“Unfortunately, some of the legislative proposals now being considered would take us in the wrong direction – adding costs and complexity, without bringing down the price of the drug or holding manufacturers accountable for the prices they set and control.
“This is particularly true in Medicare Part D, which nearly 52 million seniors and people with disabilities choose to help make their prescription drugs more affordable. Right now, the Part D program is implementing some of the most significant changes it has seen since it was launched nearly two decades ago. New legislative proposals would only add more layers of complexity, disruption, and instability, which together will increase costs for seniors and taxpayers alike.
“As we look ahead to Congress’ return to Washington in September, we will continue our engagement with them, promoting our solutions to provide actionable transparency for patients, while protecting affordability, access, private market competition, and choice for seniors and taxpayers alike. Let’s work together on policy solutions that will be effective in making prescriptions drugs more affordable and accessible.”