AARP, Public Citizen file briefs in Medicare drug price negotiations case
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AARP and Public Citizen have each filed amicus curiae briefs in a case in a Ohio federal court that is challenging the Inflation Reduction Act's plan that allows for Medicare prescription drug price negotiations.
The organizations' briefs back the federal government's position supporting the negotiations. The case was brought by the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce and others against HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra.
AARP's key argument in its brief is that the drug pricing reform is not only needed for the financial benefit of America's seniors, many of whom struggle to afford their medicines on limited incomes, but also to keep the Medicare program solvent and save taxpayers billions of dollars.
Public Citizen also notes the harm an injunction to the law's price negotiation section would have on seniors both economically and health wise. "The brunt of that disruption would be borne by millions of Medicare enrollees, who would either be forced to use more of their retirement savings to obtain prescription drugs to meet their medical needs, or be forced to go without those drugs."
Drugs from the following pharmas, based on Medicare Part D spend, are likely to be impacted by the law: Pfizer (NYSE:PFE), Eli Lilly (Eli Lilly and Company (LLY) Stock Price Today, Quote & News), Merck (NYSE:MRK), Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY), AbbVie (NYSE:ABBV), Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (REGN), Amgen (AMGN), and Roche (OTCQX:RHHBY).
The list of the first 10 drugs subject to Medicare price negotiation for 2026 will come from CMS by Sept. 1. Negotiations are set to begin on Oct. 1, with the negotiated prices coming into effect starting in 2026.
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