In the wake of President Trump’s meeting with major pharmaceutical company representatives, U.S. Senator Jon Tester is reaching out to the new administration in a bipartisan effort to lower prescription drug costs.
“I share your concerns over increasing prescription drug prices and appreciate your stance that we must work together to bring down prices for hardworking Montanans,” Tester wrote in his letter to President Trump. “That is why I am reaching out to offer to work with you and my Republican and Democratic colleagues in Congress to ensure folks have access to the affordable drugs they need.”
Tester goes on to describe the concerns many Montanans have about the rising cost of prescription drug prices, concerns they’ve brought up during Tester’s recent health care listening sessions throughout the state.
“Over the past month, I have been traveling across Montana holding health care listening sessions, and I have heard from numerous Montanans who are concerned about the rising costs of life-saving medications,” Tester wrote. “Projections are that prescription costs will continue to rise and eat away at Montanans’ pocketbooks. This situation is unacceptable and unsustainable, and we must hold all accountable for the strain this places on families.”
Tester notes that over half of Americans currently take at least one prescription drug and nearly a quarter of them have to forego medications they need because they cannot afford their prescriptions.
Tester has been a staunch advocate for making prescription drugs more affordable, and has consistently supported efforts aimed at lowering the cost of health care for thousands of Montanans. Tester voted to close the Medicare Part D donut hole, saving Montana seniors more than $63 million on their prescriptions.
Tester also introduced two pieces of bipartisan legislation last Congress to prevent pharmaceutical middlemen from charging unjustified fees and requiring the FDA to work to get affordable prescription drugs to market faster.
You can read Tester’s letter to the President HERE.