In a particular occasion hosted by Congressman Steven Horsford (D-NV), Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, we put the difficulty of excessive prescription drug costs entrance and heart. Held in Las Vegas, the occasion featured a particular dialogue with HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra titled “Placing Cash Again within the Pockets of Seniors in Nevada,” particularly for Black seniors like me. The gathering drew a various group of seniors keen to debate healthcare affordability, emphasizing the significance of equitable entry to medicines and healthcare companies, notably for seniors and communities of shade.

I had the chance to share my story on the occasion. As a Las Vegas resident and U.S. Marine veteran, I have been battling prostate most cancers. Once I turned 65 and gained Medicare protection, I started remedy with Xtandi, a pill I have to take each day. A month’s provide of Xtandi is $7,000 month-to-month, making it unimaginable for me to afford by myself. Fortunately, Medicare lately began masking the total price of Xtandi, lifting a big monetary burden off my shoulders.

My expertise affording life-saving prescription remedy is shared by many others. Fortuitously, President Biden’s decrease price prescription drug legislation is making a distinction. It contains measures that can decrease out-of-pocket prices for tens of millions of seniors and other people with disabilities. In Nevada alone, over 117,000 Medicare Half D enrollees are projected to collectively save greater than $31 million as a consequence of new 2024 insurance policies that restrict out-of-pocket prices.

A number of the advantages below President Biden’s decrease price drug legislation that I discover notably impactful embrace:

• Paying $35 per 30 days or much less for every Medicare-covered insulin product
• Receiving free really useful preventive vaccines with Medicare Half D prescription drug protection, which incorporates vaccines for shingles and Tdap
• Holding drug firms accountable by requiring them to pay a rebate to Medicare in the event that they elevate drug costs quicker than inflation
• Anticipating decrease drug costs in 2026 by means of Medicare negotiations with collaborating drug firms
• Offering extra help for affording premiums and out-of-pocket prices for certified enrollees

This gathering on a Juneteenth afternoon not solely highlighted the advantages of the brand new prescription drug legislation but additionally showcased the facility of group engagement and advocacy. It was a touching reminder that when folks come collectively, they’ll drive significant change and create fairness in healthcare. Celebrating Juneteenth displays the liberty and equality that traditionally eluded the Black group, whereas conversations like these remind us of the continued work wanted for progress. The Biden-Harris Administration stays dedicated to constructing upon these efforts to make sure that healthcare stays a elementary proper for each citizen.