WASHINGTON, D.C. (WCAX) – Medical experts and industry leaders are in the limelight this week in the latest move from Vermont senators to lower drug prices.
Senator Peter Welch requested the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing yesterday, to help make sure prescription drug prices are accessible and affordable.
During the hearing, Welch highlighted his bill to combat what’s called ‘patent thicketing’ – a practice he says prevents competition in the form of generic drug alternatives, driving up the cost.
“The bottom line here is the cost of healthcare in this country is killing folks. It is such a brutal, punitive burden on everyone. And that’s for citizens in all of our states. Folks who are having trouble paying their rent, or they’re having trouble paying for groceries…they can’t even dream about owning a house. And the biggest driver in healthcare costs…are prescription drugs. And whether you want to call it abuse, or gaming, the fact is people can’t afford it and it is not sustainable,” said Welch.
This is only the latest move from Welch to decrease drug prices this year.
The senator’s office says he’s supported bills on issues from patent thicketing to increasing drug price negotiations to increasing accessibility to discounted prices for seniors.
Senator Peter Welch requested the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Tuesday to help make sure prescription drug prices are accessible and affordable.
During the hearing, Welch highlighted his bill to combat what’s called ‘patent thicketing’ – a practice he says prevents competition in the form of generic drug alternatives driving up the cost.
“The bottom line here is the cost of healthcare in this country is killing folks. It is such a brutal, punitive burden on everyone. And that’s for citizens in all of our states. Folks who are having trouble paying their rent, or they’re having trouble paying for groceries…they can’t even dream about owning a house. And the biggest driver in healthcare costs are prescription drugs. And whether you want to call it abuse, or gaming, the fact is people can’t afford it and it is not sustainable,” said Welch.
This is only the latest move from Welch to decrease drug prices this year. The senator’s office says he’s supported bills on issues from patent thicketing to increasing drug price negotiations to increasing accessibility to discounted prices for seniors.