AARP Alabama released a new set of data Monday that revealed the impact of high prescription drug prices on Alabamians, specifically for those living with cancer, prediabetes or diabetes and heart disease.
“While prescription drug prices continue skyrocketing, Americans are being forced to choose between filling life-saving medications or paying rent and buying food,” said AARP Alabama State Director Candi Williams. “So far in 2019, 29 states (including Alabama) have passed 46 new laws to rein in drug prices. It’s critical that state and federal lawmakers continue this momentum to stop Rx greed.”
In 2016, one in three Alabamians (35%) stopped using prescription drugs due to the high cost. An online infographic also highlighted recent price increases for select prescription drugs commonly used to treat cancer, diabetes and heart disease.
According to an online statement provided by AARP Alabama, between 2012 and 2017, the retail price of prescription drugs saw the following drastic increases:
Revlimid, used to treat cancer, increased from $147,413 per year to $247,496 per year. In Alabama, 539,841 people are living with cancer.
Lantus, a form of insulin used to treat diabetes, increased from $2,907 per year to $4,702 per year. There are 587,856 people with diabetes or pre-diabetes in Alabama.
Aggrenox, a heart disease medication, increased from $3,030 per year to $5,930 per year. In Alabama, 206,211 people have heart disease.
Earlier this year, the Alabama House of Representatives unanimously passed Senate Bill 73 by State Sen. Arthur Orr (R-Decatur) that could help lower prescription drug costs for hardworking families in the Yellowhammer State.
“AARP Alabama has been encouraged by the bipartisan work of our state lawmakers this year to lower prescription drug prices,” Williams added. “Ultimately, drug costs are a national issue, so federal action is equally essential. We urge the Senate to pass the Prescription Drug Pricing Reduction Act in the fall, when the House is expected to act on its own drug pricing bill.”
To learn more about AARP’s Stop Rx Greed campaign and view the national infographic, visit here.
Kyle Morris also contributes daily to Breitbart News. You can follow him on Twitter @RealKyleMorris.
