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Evans Seeks Answers on High Prices for Prescription Drugs

February 12, 2019

Congressman Dwight Evans (PA-03), a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, delivered these remarks today at the committee's hearing on high prices for prescription drugs:

"Chairman Neal and Ranking Member Brady, I would like to thank you for convening this very important hearing on the cost of rising prescription drug prices, a topic that is critical to most citizens of this nation, including my constituents in Philadelphia. I've been looking forward to having this discussion for quite some time, given the hardship the rising costs of prescription drugs has placed on my constituents and those around the country.

"Drug prices in our country have grown out of control. In 2016 alone, The United States spent $457 billion on prescription drugs, which accounted for about 17 percent of all health care spending. During this same time, Medicare spent nearly $130 billion on prescription drugs.

"Our health system has got to change. Where I come from in Philadelphia, 26 percent of the population is living in poverty. While some of the elderly and disabled who qualify for Medicare are also able to qualify for Medicaid, we know that this is not the case for many. They cannot afford the rising costs of prescription drug prices.

"I have a constituent in Philadelphia, Hilary, who is a type 1 diabetic, along with her son. A three-month supply of insulin for her son is $1,700. The family also needs to have three glucagon kits on-hand in case of an emergency, each costing around $250. She stated that the cost is ‘crushing' her family.

"Her story is one of too many. One of too many from my home state, and one of too many from around the country. Many Americans are being forced to make the dangerous and life-threatening choice between filling a necessary prescription and putting food on the table for their families.

"One of the biggest problems is the rising costs of specialty and brand drugs coming into the market. These drugs lack market competition due to patents and are known to be far more expensive than generic drugs. While innovation is needed to help cure some of the most devastating illnesses, such as cancer, we have to ask ourselves how beneficial life-saving drugs can actually be if no one can afford them.

"It is our job as members of Congress to find a balance which incentivizes companies to develop life-saving drugs, while ensuring that patients who need them have access to them. The bulk of people's incomes should not be going towards something that is of no fault of their own, and they should never have to make the decision between paying for food, rent, and other basic necessities, or living to see another day with their loved ones.

"I look forward to hearing from our witnesses and learning how this committee can help ensure that all Americans have the access to health care they need and deserve.

"Thank you and I yield back."

Media Contact: Ben Turner, Ben.Turner@mail.house.gov