Aarp’s yearslong fight to lower prescription drug prices

By 2021, AARP got back into the prescription drug fight in a big way, launching its “Fair Rx Prices Now” campaign. Among the tactics was the “Show Your Receipts” effort, by which Americans

downloaded their prescription drug bills so lawmakers could see firsthand how much it costs consumers to take their medications. AARP held a people’s hearing, at which individuals told their

stories of how difficult it was to afford their prescription drugs. The virtual event drew a constant stream of comments in the chat room, with people lamenting the lack of action to lower

prices. STATES TAKE STEPS As pressure on Washington heated up, action continued on the state level, as well. AARP has consistently waged a two-front advocacy campaign designed to get both

the federal government and the states to pass legislation to crack down on high prices. “AARP pulled out all the stops to achieve this historic victory. And we will continue fighting. We

will not back down until all Americans 50-plus can afford their medications.” — Jo Ann Jenkins, AARP CEO “We’ve seen a tremendous amount of activity and bills passed in state legislatures

all across the country — in red states and blue states and purple states,” Sweeney says. And that has helped AARP build momentum at the national level. Since 2019, AARP state offices have

helped pass more than 100 state laws relating to the high cost of prescription drugs. A number of state legislatures passed laws establishing drug affordability boards, which have the

authority to evaluate the cost of drugs and to make recommendations on how to get prices down. Many states passed measures requiring drug companies to be transparent about their prices, and

others adopted legislation to ensure that pharmacists can help consumers find lower prices for their medications. Even with the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, AARP officials

say this doesn’t mean the end of the campaign for drug-price reform.   “We’re going to keep fighting to pass bills in state legislatures, and we’re going to keep fighting at the federal

level for other measures that will lower drug prices,” Sweeney says. “AARP pulled out all the stops to achieve this historic victory,” Jenkins told supporters in a video message.  “And we

will continue fighting. We will not back down until all Americans 50-plus can afford their medications.”  _Dena Bunis covers Medicare, health care, health policy and Congress. She also

writes the Medicare Made Easy column for the _AARP Bulletin_. An award-winning journalist, Bunis spent decades working for metropolitan daily newspapers, including stints as Washington

bureau chief for the _Orange County Register_ and as a health policy and workplace writer for _Newsday_._ _Editor's note: This story has been updated with the latest information._