Underwood Statement Following Drug Pricing Meeting with HHS Secretary Azar

WASHINGTON— Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14) today released the below statement following a meeting with Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar on drug pricing.

"Americans are being crushed by the skyrocketing cost of prescription drugs--it's unacceptable and unsustainable. I'm willing to come to the table with anyone, including Secretary Azar as I did today, to address this crisis and address it immediately—too many families do not have time to wait.

"We need a solution that lowers the cost of prescription drugs for all Americans, including those with private insurance and Medicare and allows the federal government to leverage its negotiating power to reduce prices in a way that ensures the U.S. continues to lead the world in innovative treatments and cures. I applaud Speaker Pelosi for putting forth a plan today in H.R. 3 that would lower drug prices for Americans in both private plans and Medicare. I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress and the Administration to find solutions that will reduce health care costs and prescription drug prices for all Americans."

In Congress, Underwood has worked to advance legislation to lower health care costs and increase access to quality, affordable health care. In March, Underwood introduced the Health Care Affordability Act, to make health care more affordable and reduce health insurance premiums. Underwood's legislation would reduce premium costs for consumers who purchase plans through the Health Insurance Marketplace by expanding eligibility for premium tax credits beyond 400 percent of the federal poverty level, and would increase the size of the tax credit for people across all income brackets. In May, Underwood's legislation, H.R. 1010, to protect Americans with preexisting conditions passed the U.S. House of Representatives. The legislation overturns an Administration rule that expands short-term, limited-duration insurance, commonly known as "junk plans" that are not required to cover preexisting conditions or essential health benefits required by the Affordable Care Act. Underwood is on the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions subcommittee of the Education and Labor Committee.

###