Iowans Celebrate Lower Prices on 10 Essential Prescriptions Thanks to Medicare Prescription Drug Price Negotiations
HHS Announced that the Cost of 9 out of the 10 Drugs Will Be Lowered by More than 50%
Fairness for Iowa, a coalition of grassroots organizations, is celebrating the outcome of the first-ever prescription drug price negotiations thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act signed into law almost two years ago.
The Department of Health and Human Services announced this morning that the Biden-Harris administration successfully negotiated significantly lower drug prices for 10 life-saving drugs that treat cancer, heart disease, and other life-threatening conditions. Patients who take Januvia, a diabetes medication, will see a 79% discount on their medication. Those taking Enbrel—a drug that treats arthritis—will see a 67% discount. You can see a full list of the negotiated discounts and summary of the outcome of negotiations here.
Matt Sinovic, Executive Director of Progress Iowa issued the following statement:
"I’m so thankful that the Biden-Harris administration had delivered on yet another promise to Iowans by lowering the prices of their prescription drugs. Pharmaceutical companies must stop putting their profits before the needs of the American people. These negotiations are a vital step in ensuring that Iowans, many of whom are struggling to make ends meet, can access the medications they need without breaking the bank. Corporate greed should never come before the health and well-being of our community.
“The rising cost of prescription drugs has forced too many families to make tough choices between their health and their financial stability. Medicare's efforts to negotiate fairer prices offer hope for a future where Iowans don't have to choose between putting food on the table and filling their prescriptions.
"These changes are about more than just numbers on a balance sheet—they're about the lives of real people. Iowans who depend on Medicare deserve the peace of mind that comes with knowing they can afford the medications they need. We must uplift these efforts to protect and strengthen Medicare, ensuring it remains a lifeline for our senior citizens."
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