Dear Representative Allen:

I am writing on behalf of state Public Interest Research Groups (PIRG) to express our strong support for H.R. 664, the Prescription Drug Fairness for Seniors Act. U.S. PIRG supports efforts to lower the cost of prescription drugs for all consumers. H.R. 664 is the best to solution to one of the most serious inequalities currently facing consumers in America.

Drug companies should be prohibited from gouging consumers through charging outrageously high prices. Large buyers of prescription drugs use their buying power to negotiate lower prices. However, people who pay for their own prescription drugs are still paying too much. The cost of prescription drugs is particularly important for older Americans because they have more medical problems, and take more prescription drugs than the average American. The situation is exacerbated by the fact that the Medicare program, the main source of health coverage for the elderly, fails to cover the costs of most prescription drugs. Medicare beneficiaries can purchase supplemental insurance privately, but these policies are often prohibitively expensive or inadequate.

We applaud your leadership on this critical issue. We look forward to working with you in the effort to lower the cost of prescription drugs.

Sincerely,

Rachel Weintraub
Staff Attorney