Senate Democrats’ Comprehensive Prescription Drug Affordability Package Moves Forward
Contact Name: Sara Persechino
Phone: (603) 271-3479
Email: Sara.Persechino@leg.state.nh.us
CONCORD - Today, the Senate passed HB 1280-FN, a comprehensive omnibus bill which increases prescription drug affordability and improves access to affordable health care for Granite Staters. The bill next goes to the House of Representatives for a concurrence vote, which requires a simple majority.
After the vote, Senate Majority Leader Dan Feltes (D-Concord) and Senator Kevin Cavanaugh (D-Manchester) issued the following statements:
“Every day, too many Granite Staters are forced to choose between their health and their financial security. New Hampshire’s health care costs are among the highest in the nation, causing some Granite Staters to ration or delay doses of life sustaining medications--and this crisis has only been exacerbated during the economic downturn spurred by coronavirus,” stated Senate Majority Leader Dan Feltes (D-Concord). “Earlier this session, Senate Democrats sponsored a package of bills addressing the skyrocketing costs of prescription drugs, improving access to affordable health care, and increasing transparency in our system. This comprehensive package now includes measures to ensure affordability of insulin, prohibit prescription drug price gouging, and enable reimportation to increase affordability of these live saving drugs.”
“It is our job as a Legislature to ensure that our health care providers and manufacturers have the tools they need to make informed decisions that protect patients’ health and finances,” added Senator Kevin Cavanaugh (D-Manchester). “New Hampshire families will be navigating the impacts of the coronavirus on their personal finances for years to come. The ability to provide themselves or their children live-saving and life-sustaining medication should not be on the chopping block. Lives are at stake -- action must be taken now to address the prescription drug affordability crisis.”
###