WASHINGTON – Today, President Biden signed an Executive Order directing the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to explore additional actions it can take to lower prescription drug costs for working and middle-class families.
Juliet K. Choi, president and CEO of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) released the following statement:
“We welcome and applaud the Administration’s continuing dedication to lowering the cost of health care for millions of Americans. Following the successful passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, this Executive Order further directs HHS to research options to lower drug costs and promote access to innovative drug therapies for Medicare beneficiaries, including for the more than 2 million Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander seniors on Medicare. This timely announcement comes as Medicare open enrollment begins on October 15 and continues through December 7.”
The Inflation Reduction Act protects Medicare beneficiaries by having a cap on out-of-pocket costs, insulin and allowing Medicare to negotiate prices for expensive prescription drugs.
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The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) influences policy, mobilizes communities and strengthens programs and organizations to improve the health of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.