23 Mar RELEASE: Congresswoman Titus Joins Community Members to Call for Lowering Prescription Drug Prices and Celebrate the Anniversary of the Affordable Care Act
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 23rd, 2022
CONTACTS: Will Pregman, wpregman@battlebornprogress.org, 702.752.0656
Brenda Rodriguez, brodriguez@battlebornprogress.org , 702.625.0553
Congresswoman Titus Joins Community Members to Call for Lowering Prescription Drug Prices and Celebrate the Anniversary of the Affordable Care Act
NEVADA – Tuesday morning, community members within Congressional District 1 were joined by Congresswoman Dina Titus on KNPR’s State of Nevada to discuss the hardships that many Nevadans face with their prescription drug prices and the Affordable Care Act.
In Nevada, over 101,000 people are now seeing reduced health care costs through the Health Insurance Marketplace, a 24% increase since the American Rescue Plan passed.
As prices continue to rise, prescription drugs are no exception. This leaves thousands of Nevadans uncertain about how they will be able to afford their life-saving prescriptions. As a result, some Nevadans are forced to decide whether they will pay their rent and other bills or refill their prescriptions.
“The Affordable Care Act continues to advance health equity never before seen in our country. Since its enactment, over 457,000 more Nevadans now have access to quality health care through Medicaid expansion; the uninsured rate in our state has fallen by 50 percent; and prescription drug coverage is a requirement for most insurance plans,” said Congresswoman Dina Titus. “Now is the time to expand this landmark law and pass the Build Back Better Act which would lower prescription drug prices and ensure, once and for all, that consumers are no longer at the mercy of pharmaceutical companies.”
“It’s been 12 years since the Affordable Care Act was passed which vastly expanded affordable coverage for Nevadans. In these 12 years we have been able to see 30 million people get covered by obtaining private health insurance or by enrolling in Medicaid. No one should be denied healthcare due to it being unaffordable,” said Annette Magnus, Executive Director of Institute for a Progressive Nevada. “It is now time for Congress to make sure that millions of people are able to afford their prescriptions without having to decide whether they should pay their bills or for their life-saving medicine. Nevadans need relief for prescription drug costs now.”
“Having to pay hundreds of dollars a month is bad enough, but having to spend hundreds of dollars a month on one prescription is unacceptable. Having to choose between having a place to live and something that will literally save your life is something that no one should have to go through.” said Alexa Sweeney, patient, about the struggles that Nevadan’s face while trying to purchase their prescription drugs.”
“We are thankful to be able to speak about our stories today and let people know about the issues that we are facing. However, we are not the only ones going through this issue and it is time that the system is fixed.” said Jamie Tadrzynski, patient, on the opportunity to share their story.
“It’s important to have champions like Congresswoman Titus to ensure that someone continues to fight for countless Nevadans. She has always supported prescription drug reforms and listened to constituents like us.” said Marjorie Kenney, patient.
Spokespeople in Spanish or English are available for individual interviews.
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