Hoyer Releases Report on Impact of High Drug Costs

Congressman Steny H. Hoyer released a House committee report last month which highlights the impact costly prescription drugs such as insulin have on Fifth District residents.

Rep. Hoyer (D-Md., 5th) joined residents for a roundtable discussion in Largo on the rising cost of health care for families in Maryland.

“The rising cost of prescription drugs is concerning for many families in the Fifth District,” Congressman Hoyer said. “The Affordable Care Act significantly expanded access to affordable health care to thousands of Marylanders, but many in our state are still struggling with costs. That’s why House Democrats are working on legislation to lower the costs of prescription drugs, address surprise billing, and ensure more Americans have access to quality health care.”

The congressman said he appreciated the opportunity to hear directly from Marylanders who struggle with the high cost of health care.

“Many families in our state struggle under the weight of health care and prescription drug costs, and we must do more to alleviate this burden,” Mr. Hoyer said. “In Congress, I will continue to work with my colleagues to improve the affordability of health care in our nation.”

The report from the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee found that there are an estimated 6,000 seniors and disabled Medicare beneficiaries who have been diagnosed with diabetes in the Fifth District, and the top 50 diabetes medications cost the Medicare program and beneficiaries approximately $10.6 million in 2016. It concludes that these prices far exceed the prices of these drugs in Australia, the United Kingdom, and Canada:

• If Medicare paid what Australia pays, then costs to the program in this district would have been about 73% lower, saving approximately $7.8 million.
• If Medicare paid what the UK pays, then costs to the program in this district would have been about 70% lower, saving approximately $7.4 million.
• If Medicare had paid what Canada pays, the costs to the program in this district would have been about 53% lower, saving approximately $5.6 million.

The report concludes that substantial savings could be realized for Fifth District seniors and taxpayers if Medicare and uninsured patients paid the same prices that patients overseas pay for their drugs.

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For more information about House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer, visit his Leader member page.