WASHINGTON, DC – National Coalition on Health Care (NCHC) President and CEO John Rother urged the Energy and Commerce Committee to include measures to improve prescription drug affordability in 21^st Century Cures legislation in a letter to Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) yesterday.

“…the speedier introduction of treatments will mean nothing if patients and our health system cannot afford them. NCHC is gravely concerned that the discussion draft ignores the fundamental challenge of affordability,” said Rother in the letter. “Just nine months after its launch last June, the 21st Century Cures Initiative has helped bring the stakeholder community, lawmakers of both parties, executive branch agencies, and the White House together in a common effort to support innovation. But moving forward with legislation that fails to address affordability would not be reflective of the spirit of cooperation…”

The letter was sent in response to an open call for feedback from stakeholders on the 21^st Century Cures Discussion Draft, released at the end of January.

See full press release: https://www.nchc.org/nchc-pushes-for-affordability-measures-in-21st-century-cures-bill/

FILED UNDER: PRESS RELEASES

NCHC Pushes for Affordability Measures in 21st Century Cures Bill

MARCH 4, 2015 BY LARRY MCNEELY

March 4, 2015

Contact:   Kelly Peuquet
                 National Coalition on Health Care
                 [email protected]
                 202-638-7151, ext. 114

NCHC Pushes for Affordability Measures in 21^st Century Cures Bill

WASHINGTON, DC – National Coalition on Health Care (NCHC) President and CEO John Rother urged the Energy and Commerce Committee to include measures to improve prescription drug affordability in 21^st Century Cures legislation in a letter to Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) yesterday.

“…the speedier introduction of treatments will mean nothing if patients and our health system cannot afford them. NCHC is gravely concerned that the discussion draft ignores the fundamental challenge of affordability,” said Rother in the letter. “Just nine months after its launch last June, the 21st Century Cures Initiative has helped bring the stakeholder community, lawmakers of both parties, executive branch agencies, and the White House together in a common effort to support innovation. But moving forward with legislation that fails to address affordability would not be reflective of the spirit of cooperation…”

The letter was sent in response to an open call for feedback from stakeholders on the 21^st Century Cures Discussion Draft, released at the end of January.

###

The National Coalition on Health Care(NCHC), the oldest and most diverse group working to achieve comprehensive health system reform, is a 501(c)(3) organization representing more than 80 participating organizations, including medical societies, businesses, unions, health care providers, faith-based associations, pension and health funds, insurers and groups representing consumers, patients, women, minorities and persons with disabilities. Member organizations collectively represent – as employees, members, or congregants – over 100 million Americans.

Some members of NCHC do not, or cannot, take positions either on specific legislation, strategies or on any policies outside their respective mission areas. However, all that can, do endorse broad policy positions in support of comprehensive health system change.