U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor released the following statement on the Biden-Harris Administration’s first round of successful Medicare drug price negotiations that will greatly lower costs for seniors:   

The 280,000 + Florida seniors who currently spend an average of $440 on a 30-day supply of Eliquis to prevent and treat blood clots will see a 56% discount, soon spending an average of $231. The 105,000+ Florida seniors who currently spend an average of $434 on Xarelto will see a 62% discount, soon spending an average of $197. Click here to see the full list of negotiated prices. 

“Thanks to House Democrats and the Biden-Harris Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act, negotiations between Medicare and drug companies for 10 of the most expensive prescription drugs has been finalized. For too long, Big Pharma was allowed to prioritize their profits over the best interests of the American people. Floridians with Medicare should never have to choose between putting food on the table or affording their life-saving prescription drugs,” said Castor.

Castor continued, “This is a people over politics moment – historic action to lower costs and make health care affordable and accessible for older Americans. I was proud to stand with President Biden at the White House two years ago when he signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law. The law has lowered costs and improved the quality of life for countless Americans. And this is only the beginning! Negotiations will soon begin on the second round of up to 15 additional drugs. 

“No Republican voted for the Inflation Reduction Act and MAGA Republicans in Congress have tried to undo Medicare drug negotiations. Democrats are not going to let that happen. Americans are wise to the harmful plans for Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security under the Turmp Project 2025 agenda. Democrats are committed to growing the middle class, lowering costs and protecting and expanding these vital initiatives to meet the evolving needs of our nation. We must safeguard them against attempts to undermine their effectiveness.”

Negotiating lower prescription drug prices is just one of many actions that Democrats and the Biden-Harris Administration have taken to drive down the cost of health care, alongside capping the price of insulin at $35 a month, limiting out-of-pocket drug costs and providing no-cost vaccines for seniors. In Florida’s fourteenth district, 2,300 Medicare beneficiaries now save on average $440 annually on their insulin.

Castor celebrated lower health care costs and the anniversary of Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security with Fair Oaks seniors in Tampa. Photos from the event can be found here.