News Advisory
Portland seniors concerned about soaring prescription drug prices will have an opportunity to become educated and empowered at a town hall on Friday, November 8th, presented by the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare and co-sponsored by AARP. Portland is one of four U.S. cities where the National Committee is holding town halls as part of its new “Don’t Cut Pills, Cut Profits” campaign, which aims to inform and mobilize older Americans on a crucial issue for seniors in advance of the 2020 elections.
What:
Town Hall on Prescription Drug Pricing
When:
Friday, November 8, 2019; 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Continental breakfast from 8:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.
Where:
Portland Community College, Cascade Campus
Student Union, 5575 N. Albina Avenue
Due to Limited seating, RSVP is required. Call 800-966-1935 or visit www.dontcutpillscutprofits.org.
Invited Guests:
Senator Ron Wyden (confirmed)
Senator Jeff Merkley
Rep. Earl Blumenauer (confirmed)
State Rep. Rachel Prusak (confirmed)
State Rep. Andrea Salinas (confirmed)
Policy experts from NCPSSM and AARP
“Why do drug prices keep rising, despite public outcry? And what do older voters need to know if they want things to change? Seniors can get answers to these questions from some of the nation’s top policy experts and public officials from Oregon — and share their own struggles with high prescription drug prices — at this town hall,” says National Committee president and CEO Max Richtman, who will moderate the event.
Older Americans have been particularly hard hit at the pharmacy counter in recent years. Prices for the 20 most-prescribed drugs for seniors increased approximately ten times the rate of inflation between 2013-2018. One million Medicare beneficiaries paid nearly $3,200 in out-of-pocket drug costs in 2016. Increased cost sharing for prescription drugs has forced seniors to forgo needed medications, cut pills, and skip doses – or choose between medicine and groceries.
The “Don’t Cut Pills, Cut Profits” campaign is committed to ending prescription price gouging by holding Big Pharma and our nation’s elected leaders accountable, with the help of millions of seniors around the country. The campaign includes town halls, voter education, petition drives, and outreach to members of Congress to support legislation that will reduce drug prices.
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The National Committee, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization acts in the interests of its membership through advocacy, education, services, grassroots efforts and the leadership of the Board of Directors and professional staff. The work of the National Committee is directed toward developing better-informed citizens and voters.
Media Inquiries to:
Brad Wright 202-216-8352
Walter Gottlieb 202-216-8414