Pappas and McBath Lead Freshman Members of Congress in Calling for Action on Prescription Drug Access and Affordability in Upcoming COVID-19 Legislation

Today, Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) and Congresswoman Lucy McBath (GA-06) led freshman House members in calling on the House leadership to make prescription drug access and affordability a top priority in the next COVID-19 relief package.

Specifically, the lawmakers are urging Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy to guarantee that patients will be able to maintain an adequate supply of their medications during the pandemic. At a time when most Americans are being asked to stay at home, the freshman Members of Congress are calling for congressional action to ensure that consumers can access 30 day fills of their prescriptions and be notified of options to obtain 90 day fills.

In addition, the lawmakers are urging the House leadership to include measures in the next COVID-19 relief package to bring down the high cost of prescription drugs at a time when tens of millions of Americans have lost their jobs and their health coverage and are struggling to afford their medications. To address this challenge, the freshman lawmakers support the inclusion of bipartisan proposals, including a cap on out-of-pocket costs in Medicare Part D, in upcoming COVID-19 legislation so that American seniors and other at-risk groups aren't forced to choose between paying for their prescriptions and meeting other household needs.

"We have consistently heard from our constituents that costs are prohibitive to obtaining their medications, a problem that is exacerbated during a crisis," the lawmakers write. "Additionally, the need to social distance can make obtaining even affordable drugs difficult. We respectfully request that provisions making prescription drugs accessible and affordable are included in the next relief package."

Since coming into office, Congressman Pappas has made lowering the cost of prescription drugs a top priority. His bill to facilitate enrollment into Medicare Part D's Low Income Subsidy Program passed the House in December as part of H.R. 3, the Elijah Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act. Additionally, the Congressman has held 5 town halls and ‘Coffees with Chris' to hear directly from constituents on the impact of drug prices on their lives.

You can read the full text of the letter below:

Dear Speaker Pelosi and Leader McCarthy:

As the coronavirus pandemic continues, it is critical that we do everything in our power to maintain and increase access to prescription drugs. We have consistently heard from our constituents that costs are prohibitive to obtaining their medications, a problem that is exacerbated during a crisis. Additionally, the need to social distance can make obtaining even affordable drugs difficult. We respectfully request that provisions making prescription drugs accessible and affordable are included in the next relief package.

The current system of refilling prescription drugs is often incompatible with the precautions to limit the spread of the virus. For example, in preparation for emergencies, the CDC recommends having a 30-day supply of necessary prescription drugs. However, prescriptions usually can only be refilled on a certain schedule. Furthermore, we have been promoting social distancing and limiting time spent outside the home, but consumers are often unaware of their options for obtaining fills larger than 30 days. As we craft legislation, we should consider provisions that guarantee that patients covered by both private and public insurance are able to receive early fills of their medications and are notified of options for 90-day fills during emergency periods. Additionally, we must curb any additional barriers such as utilization management tools, limited access to mail order pharmacies, or limitations on telehealth. As we continue to promote methods to flatten the curve, we must adapt to ensure that our constituents are able to have access to the prescription drugs that keep them healthy.

We must also acknowledge that an economic downturn may make prescription drugs more unaffordable than they already are for the average American. We consistently hear that the costs cause people to ration their medications, which can cause serious health problems and even death. In the middle of a public health crisis, we should take every step to lower the burden on our health care system, including lowering the cost of prescription drugs. Many policies, such as an out of pocket cap on Medicare Part D and prohibiting pay for delay tactics, share bipartisan, bicameral support. As we look for solutions for the long-term effects of this pandemic, we should consider lowering the cost of prescription drugs and bringing relief to American families.

During the past few weeks, we've shown the American people that we can come together to pass the support and reforms that they need. Although this problem is not a new one, the current pandemic has greatly increased the impacts of this issue, and as we continue to work to alleviate the burden that our families are facing we should finally address it. We appreciate your leadership on this issue and your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

Chris Pappas
Lucy McBath
Tom Malinowski
Mike Levin
Jahana Hayes
Jason Crow
Angie Craig
Harley Rouda
Gilbert R. Cisneros, Jr.
Katie Porter
Kendra S. Horn