To the Editor:
Recently on October 13, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-4) introduced a bill that improves prescription drug coverage, under both public (Medicare Part D) and private plans. The legislation is titled the Affordable Access to Prescription Medications Act of 2009 (H.R. 3799). This is companion legislation to S.1630 that was introduced by Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-WV).
People with multiple sclerosis could save thousands of dollars a year on their disease modifying therapies through this reform. The measure would cap monthly out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs at $200 per prescription, or $500 per month for those taking more than one medication.
On behalf of the more than 400,000 Americans who are living with multiple sclerosis and their friends and family, I urge you to support the Affordable Access to Prescription Medications Act (S. 1630/H.R. 3799). This legislation will improve access to drugs that treat MS by capping the monthly out-of-pocket expenses at $200 per prescription, or $500 per person for those taking more than one medication. People with MS have been dealt with one major tragic issue in their life by dealing with this disease. These same people now must deal with another tragic issue and that would be the health insurance. Some cannot afford their medications that range from $1500-$2500.00 monthly before co-pays. These same victims are being victimized once again as a result of their employer looking to “jack up” their health insurance.
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, often disabling disease of the central nervous system and helpful drug therapies can cost American families more than $30,000 each year. The high co-payments alone prevent many people from accessing needed MS therapies. A cap on high out-of-pocket costs for prescription medications could give many people living with MS much-needed access to treatments that can improve the quality of their lives.
Even the most advanced treatments cannot be effective if the people who need them most cannot afford them. Under your leadership, I am hopeful that the promise of safe and more affordable therapies for Americans living with MS and their families can be realized. Once again, I urge you to support the Affordable Access to Prescription Medications Act (S. 1630/H.R. 3799) by contacting our Local State Representatives, Congressman and Senators, and let the word be heard.
Carroll County Multiple Sclerosis Advocate
Edward L. Hale
Carrollton, OH
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