[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 69 (Wednesday, April 27, 2022)]
[House]
[Page H4518]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 SKYROCKETING PRESCRIPTION DRUG PRICES

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Florida (Mrs. Cherfilus-McCormick) for 5 minutes.
  Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Madam Speaker, this week, I hosted a 
seniors' townhall in my district in which many had concerns about their 
access to long-term care, the price of prescription drugs, and their 
Social Security benefits.
  Every day, 10,000 Americans turn 65 years old. That is 65 years of 
raising families, paying their taxes, protecting our country, and 
building our communities.
  After six decades of working hard for this country, they have the 
right to the benefits and resources they have earned for retirement. We 
do not need to cut benefits but, instead, expand access to the full 
range of long-term care services that help seniors within their 
communities.
  Unfortunately, it has become far too expensive for middle-class 
friends and families to care for our seniors. Prescription drug prices 
are a major component of the overall cost of caring for the elderly.
  While Medicare part D pays for some medications for those enrolled in 
the plan, it is reported that over 65 percent of our seniors' 
prescription drug costs are out of pocket. No American should ever have 
to break the bank to pay for lifesaving care.

                              {time}  1045

  But today, too many Americans are forced to make the decision between 
paying their bills or buying their pills.
  Democrats have been fighting to bring down healthcare costs and lower 
prescription drug prices by holding insurance companies and drug 
companies accountable while strengthening Social Security, Medicare, 
and Medicaid.
  In his State of the Union Address, President Biden announced an 
initiative to improve quality long-term care for our Nation's beloved 
seniors and people with disabilities.
  The announcement uplifts what I have long championed: every person in 
the United States deserves to age with dignity, respect, and access to 
quality healthcare.
  These actions will be part of a long-overdue comprehensive reform to 
protect the welfare, safety, and rights of seniors and people with 
disabilities living in nursing homes.
  Our country and our economy are stronger and healthier when every 
American has access to quality, affordable healthcare, and long-term 
care.
  I look forward to working with my colleagues to make sure these 
issues are addressed and that we support and look out for our Nation's 
seniors.

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