In Rye, Pappas Hears Health Care and Prescription Drugs Stories

RYE, NH - Today, Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) met with constituents and Protect Our Care in Rye to hear personal stories from Granite Staters about their experiences dealing with the high cost of prescription drugs and access to health care. They talked about the need to strengthen and defend the Affordable Care Act and lower the cost of life saving medications. Pappas also highlighted his support for H.R.3, theElijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act.

One constituent, Jane Longden, shared a story with Congressman Pappas about having to stockpile her MS medication and ration her prescription because of high costs. Another constituent, Howie Singer, told the story of how he was left without insurance after he lost his job but thankfully was able to gain access to coverage again through the Affordable Care Act.

"When I travel around New Hampshire asking constituents what's on their minds, there is no topic more urgent or more personal than combating the skyrocketing cost of prescription drugs and increasing access to quality, affordable health care," said Congressman Pappas. "The stories shared with me today in Rye underscore the importance of continuing to improve access to care and bring down costs. We cannot afford to take a step back from the progress we have made and I'm proud to have co-sponsored landmark legislation to address the skyrocketing costs of prescription drugs as well as supporting efforts to protect the ACA from continued attacks."

"Democrats like Rep. Pappas are following through on their promise to lower prescription drug costs and rein in Big Pharma, as well as uphold the Affordable Care Act and its important consumer protections for people with pre-existing conditions," Jayme Simoes, State Director of Protect Our Care New Hampshire. "We are grateful for his work and look forward to continuing to work together to lower costs and expand access to care for even more Granite Staters."

Congressman Pappas has supported legislation which will lower premiums, strengthen patient protections, and crack down on junk plans that could send New Hampshire families right into bankruptcy. Last year, the House passed H.R. 3, which makes historic reforms to drive down the costs of prescription drugs while expanding and strengthening Medicare. That package included a provision authored by Rep. Pappas - Advancing Enrollment and Reducing Drug Costs Act - which makes prescription drugs more accessible for low-income seniors.

Click here to watch Pappas speak in favor of HR 3 ahead of its passage in the House.

Congressman Pappas has consistently voted to protect and strengthen the affordable care act. On the very first day of the 116th Congress, Pappas voted to empower House Counsel to intervene in court to defend the Affordable CareAct and protections for Americans with pre-existing conditions. He also supported House Resolution 271, to condemn the Administration's attacks on Americans' health. The budget deal passed in December included provisions that would prevent attacks by the Administration

This is the latest of many events and town halls Pappas has held specifically dealing with the issue of prescription drug costs andstrengthening the Affordable Care Act. While serving as a member of New Hampshire's Executive Council, he worked to develop and provided the key vote to implement the Medicaid expansion, which insured more than 53,000 Granite Staters.