AFL-CIO Calls for Major Reforms to Make Prescription Drugs Affordable

Last month, the AFL-CIO Executive Council called on policymakers to support comprehensive reforms to reduce the growing profits of pharmaceutical companies and keep prescription drugs affordable for working families.

As prescription drug costs have grown, even workers with employer coverage have begun to feel the pinch. In 2015 a typical family of four with workplace coverage spent more than $3,900 on drugs.

The AFL-CIO outlines a variety of reforms to lower costs, including:

• Government drug price negotiation on behalf of all payers—including working people and their health plans.

• Stopping trade agreements like the Trans-Pacific Partnership that expand monopoly rights for drug companies.

• Requiring drugs developed with government funding to be sold at fair prices.

Links:

AFL-CIO Executive Council Takes on Excessive Prescription Drug Prices (AFLCIO.org, August 3, 2016)