Affordable drugs

The rising cost of pharmaceutical drugs is a major concern for all Americans but especially worrisome to senior citizens. Congress needs to take action to pass prescription drug bills that are currently bottled up in committees which could save consumers billions of dollars.

These bills do three things: places Medicare drugs out for bid; allows importation of safe drugs; and permits generic drugs to compete freely in the open market.

The Medicare Prescription Drug Price Negotiation Act of 2013 would allow Health and Human Services to be able to negotiate prices with drug companies. This would mean more affordable prescription prices for seniors.

Passing the Preserve Access to Affordable Generics Act would give generic drugs the chance to compete directly with the brand-name drug firms.

Congress needs to re-introduce another bill that would allow other countries approved by the FDA to ship safe, cheaper prescription drugs.

Congress needs to act now on these beneficial prescription drug bills so all Americans will find the medical drugs they need more affordable.

Sherri Shilcrat

West Jordan