Proposed Bill Aims To Make Prescription Drugs More Affordable

[riversedge]

Source: kdal610





Friday, March 31, 2017 5:13 a.m. CDT by Dave Strandberg


WASHINGTON, D.C. (KDAL) - The cost of prescription drugs has continued to skyrocket over the last three years and a group of Senate Democrats are looking to address that problem by proposing a bill called The Improving Access to Affordable Prescription Drugs Act.

Among the sponsors are Minnesota Senators Al Franken and Amy Klobuchar and Wisconsin Senator Tammy Baldwin. Franken, on the KDAL morning show, says one feature of the bill would stop what is called "pay for delay" tactics where drug companies pay other companies who develop the same generic drugs to stay out of the market.

The proposed bill would also require that drug companies be more transparent about development and production costs, it would close the gap on Medicare Part D, require drug makers to provide rebates for low income prescription drug users, and allow Medicare to negotiate prices with drug companies.

The legislative package, that was introduced this week, is supported by a wide range of legislators, organizations and patient advocacy groups............................



33 minutes ago
Replying to @SenatorBaldwin

Tammy, we are all proud of you in Wisconsin. Keep up the pressure, it all helps.
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Read more: http://kdal610.com/news/articles/2017/mar/31/proposed-bill-aims-to-make-prescription-drugs-more-affordable/

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[lark]

1. Repugs will not let this become law, they are in charge and determined to hurt the working class.

They would not give up the big bribes er campaign contributions from big pharma, no way. I'm really glad they're doing this, it will be great fodder for the next campaigns, just wish it had at least some chance of becoming law.

[tenorly]

6. Exactly.

All the have to do is get Fox to tell their simians that "it means free meds for n***ers and faw'ners." They'll all nod in mindless agreement.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

2. Since the bill is being introduced by Democrats

and actually would help people, it will be quickly shot down by the GOPers.

[CousinIT]

4. If the Republican phone lines burned up & town halls were full...

....of angry voters demanding support for the bill, they might change their tune. Recess is April 4th - 7th. People need to SHOW UP and RAISE HELL demanding support for this bill. Or at least call their offices. 202-224-3121 - WH switchboard.

[riversedge]

5. Agree. Protest, Resist and make calls.

[Eliot Rosewater]

3. If only the people this would help the most would be willing to support it.

But the ones who vote R wont, their minds are filled with nonsensical beliefs that rich must get richer for them to prosper.

Imagine what life would be like if we didnt have that warped belief in our heads.

[Sunlei]

7. More bills like this is what we need, one at a time takes to long. Thank you Senator Baldwin.

[murielm99]

8. I read the article.

Thanks for posting.

Who are some of the other sponsors? I might want to talk about this at the town hall meetings where my stupid repubbie rep. refuses to show his face.