In a particular occasion hosted by Congressman Steven Horsford (D-NV), Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, we put the difficulty of excessive prescription drug costs entrance and middle. Held in Las Vegas, the occasion featured a particular dialogue with HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra titled “Placing Cash Again within the Pockets of Seniors in Nevada,” particularly for Black seniors like me. The gathering drew a various group of seniors keen to debate healthcare affordability, emphasizing the significance of equitable entry to drugs and healthcare providers, significantly for seniors and communities of colour.
I had the chance to share my story on the occasion. As a Las Vegas resident and U.S. Marine veteran, I have been battling prostate most cancers. Once I turned 65 and gained Medicare protection, I started remedy with Xtandi, a pill I must take day by day. A month’s provide of Xtandi is $7,000 month-to-month, making it not possible for me to afford alone. Fortunately, Medicare not too long ago began masking the total price of Xtandi, lifting a big monetary burden off my shoulders.
My expertise affording life-saving prescription treatment is shared by many others. Luckily, President Biden’s decrease price prescription drug regulation is making a distinction. It contains measures that may decrease out-of-pocket prices for tens of millions of seniors and folks with disabilities. In Nevada alone, over 117,000 Medicare Half D enrollees are projected to collectively save greater than $31 million because of new 2024 insurance policies that restrict out-of-pocket prices.
A few of the advantages below President Biden’s decrease price drug regulation that I discover significantly impactful embrace:
Paying $35 monthly or much less for every Medicare-covered insulin productReceiving free beneficial preventive vaccines with Medicare Half D prescription drug protection, which incorporates vaccines for shingles and TdapHolding drug firms accountable by requiring them to pay a rebate to Medicare in the event that they increase drug costs quicker than inflationAnticipating decrease drug costs in 2026 via Medicare negotiations with collaborating drug companiesProviding extra help for affording premiums and out-of-pocket prices for certified enrollees
This gathering on a Juneteenth afternoon not solely highlighted the advantages of the brand new prescription drug regulation but additionally showcased the ability of neighborhood engagement and advocacy. It was a touching reminder that when folks come collectively, they’ll drive significant change and create fairness in healthcare. Celebrating Juneteenth displays the liberty and equality that traditionally eluded the Black neighborhood, whereas conversations like these remind us of the continuing work wanted for progress. The Biden-Harris Administration stays dedicated to constructing upon these efforts to make sure that healthcare stays a basic proper for each citizen.
