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Congressman Brown Applauds Passage of The Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act

"This bill reduces drug costs for patients living with cancer, arthritis, asthma, HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis, diabetes and many other chronic, often life threatening conditions."
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Anthony G. Brown (MD-04) released the following statement applauding the passage of H.R. 3, The Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act:

"Today, I joined my colleagues in the House to pass landmark legislation lowering the cost of prescription drugs in America. Marylanders should never have to choose between getting treatment and providing for their families. This bill reduces drug costs for patients living with cancer, arthritis, asthma, HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis, diabetes and many other chronic, often life threatening conditions. 

Named in honor of my dear friend and mentor, The Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act profoundly improves health care affordability, treatment outcomes and economic security. My vote today was for the peace of mind of individuals and families facing a difficult diagnosis or struggling to make ends meet. 

President Donald Trump has frequently touted his willingness to act on the high cost of prescription drugs. It’s time for him to make good on his promises to the American people."


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For the 59,073 seniors with Medicare Part D coverage and 525,983 individuals with private health insurance in Maryland's Fourth Congressional district, H.R. 3 will reduce drug costs and deliver substantial savings that will make a real difference in their lives:

  • Breast Cancer: 5,290 Maryland patients could save $45,100 off the average total cost of the breast cancer medication Ibrance per year;
  • Leukemia: 960 Maryland patients could save $66,300 off the average total cost of the leukemia medication Tasigna per year;
  • Prostate Cancer: 3,810 Maryland patients could save $72,100 off the average total cost of the prostate cancer medication Zytiga per year;
  • Arthritis: Maryland patients could save $40,000 off their total costs on most arthritis drugs per year;
  • Asthma: Maryland patients could save $1,400 off their total costs on most Asthma drugs per year;
  • HIV/AIDS: 1,026 Maryland residents could save $15,000 off their total costs on most HIV/AIDS drugs per year;
  • Multiple Sclerosis: Patients could save $40,000 off their total costs on most MS drugs per year;
  • Diabetes: 505,926 Marylanders living with diabetes could save $19,800 off the average total cost of the insulin NovoLOG Flexpen per year.

Additionally, H.R. 3’s expansion of Medicare coverage for dental, vision and hearing services will create significant out-of-pocket savings for Maryland seniors:

  • About 94% of Maryland beneficiaries (104,400 people) stand to gain dental benefits;
  • About 92% of Maryland beneficiaries (101,800 people) stand to gain vision benefit;
  • About 99% of Maryland beneficiaries (109,100 people) stand to gain hearing benefits.
This factsheet includes more information on how H.R. 3 will help our district.

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