At a special event hosted by Congressman Steven Horsford (D-Nev.), Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, we put the issue of high prescription drug prices front and center. The event, held in Las Vegas, included a special discussion with HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra titled “Putting Money Back in the Pockets of Seniors in Nevada,” specifically for Black seniors like me. The meeting attracted a diverse group of seniors eager to talk about health care affordability, emphasizing the importance of equitable access to medications and health care services, particularly for seniors and communities of color.
I had the opportunity to share my story at the event. As a Las Vegas resident and U.S. Navy veteran, I have been battling prostate cancer. When I turned 65 and gained Medicare coverage, I began treatment with Xtandi, a pill that I must take every day. A month’s supply of Xtandi costs $7,000 a month, making it impossible for me to afford it on my own. Fortunately, Medicare recently began covering the full cost of Xtandi, which took a significant financial burden off of me.
My experience accessing life-saving prescription drugs is shared by many others. Fortunately, President Biden’s lower-cost prescription drug law is making a difference. It includes measures that will reduce out-of-pocket costs for millions of seniors and people with disabilities. In Nevada alone, more than 117,000 Medicare Part D enrollees are projected to collectively save more than $31 million due to new 2024 policies limiting out-of-pocket costs.
Some of the benefits of President Biden’s lower-cost drug law that I find particularly impactful include:
- Pay $35 per month or less for each Medicare-covered insulin product
- Receive free preventive vaccines recommended with Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage, including shingles and Tdap vaccines
- Hold pharmaceutical companies accountable by requiring them to pay a rebate to Medicare if they raise drug prices faster than inflation
- Anticipating lower drug prices in 2026 through Medicare negotiations with participating pharmaceutical companies
- Provide more assistance to meet premiums and out-of-pocket costs for qualified members
This meeting, which took place on an afternoon on Juneteenth, not only highlighted the benefits of the new prescription drug law, but also showcased the power of community engagement and advocacy. It was a poignant reminder that when people come together, they can drive meaningful change and create equity in healthcare. Celebrating Juneteenth reflects the freedom and equality that has historically eluded the Black community, while conversations like these remind us of the continued work it takes to make progress. The Biden-Harris administration remains committed to building on these efforts to ensure that healthcare remains a fundamental right for all citizens.
