With the elections finally over, we will see what the future has in store for us. (And be ever so glad all those political ads are done!) But we’re not done. Now we have new issues to look at and fight for, or against; with ongoing issues, such as this one:
AARP is asking us to help with the Stop Rx Greed Campaign: U.S. Health & Human Service’s Final Importation Rule –This is a message for members of Congress and Senators:
• There’s no reason why Americans should pay the highest drug prices in the world while drug companies rake in billions.
• AARP has long supported the safe importation of prescription drugs, which could lower prices for many people over 50.
• Importation of prescription drugs is overwhelmingly supported by Americans across party lines, with support from 81% of Republicans, 77% of Democrats, and 85% of independents.
• The safe, legal importation of less expensive prescription drugs will help stop price gouging and lower costs. It will also help break up drug company monopolies by adding competitive pressure on drug makers to lower the prices they set in the U.S.
• While there are still several stages before any importation can occur, we are pleased, that for the first time, an HHS Secretary has certified that importation can be done safely.
• AARP strongly supported bipartisan legislation in Florida, Colorado, Maine, Vermont, New Mexico, and New Hampshire to allow importation in those states. It is critical that the Administration works closely with those states to allow those laws to take effect and to ensure that the policy makes prescription drugs both affordable and accessible to older Americans.
In order to help, we can write our Representatives and Senators:
https://action.aarp.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=7577. The importation of prescription drugs is only good for certain drugs, not all, and definitely insulin, because it is a biologic drug. We also need to allow all states to participate in this, not just a few. Go to
https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2020/canada-drug-importation-ruling.html to read more.
On other fronts:
The Supreme Court will be busy. New Justice, Amy Coney Barrett, who was sworn in as a Justice last month, could play a pivotal role in any post-election legal fights, and will take part when the court hears a challenge to the Affordable Care Act a week after the election.
Coronavirus Update, as of October 29: Coronavirus cases in the U.S.: 8,865,697, U.S. death toll: 227,774
For context: Three months ago today, 4,363,511 Americans had tested positive for the coronavirus and 149,407 had died. Please stay safe, wear your mask, wash your hands, and keep a safe distance from everyone!