AARP, others call on New York for prescription pricing reform

ALBANY, N.Y. AARP, the New York State United Teachers, the Business and Labor Coalition of New York, Civil Service Employees Union, Public Employees Federation, Consumers Union, New York Public Interest Research Group and the Center for Medical Consumers have joined together to call on New York state officials and leaders to make prescription drugs more affordable and accessible to New Yorkers through marketing and purchasing reform.

Among the proposals supported for inclusion in a final state budget are a prescription drug card, bulk purchasing, and an Rx prescribing educational program known as “academic detailing.” The discount card would allow people, regardless of age, to save up to 25 percent on their medications. The commissioner of the Department of Health could authorize bulk purchasing of prescription drugs in order to save money and create more access. Academic detailing would provide objective research to physicians to encourage more independent prescribing of drugs.

“Reforming how prescription drugs are marketed and purchased in this state would provide relief to millions of New Yorkers. Drug prices continue to rise and people continue to struggle to afford the medications they need,” stated Luci de Haan, AARP New York acting state director. “These state budget proposals are essential for providing all New Yorkers with accessible and affordable prescription drugs.”