Congressman Cleaver Hosts Tele Townhall to Discuss Skyrocketing Costs of Prescription Drugs

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05) hosted a tele townhall, calling upwards of 50,000 of his constituents, to discuss the rising costs of prescription drugs in this country. He firmly believes that prescription drugs need to be made available and affordable to all people. As a result of the Affordable Care Act, over 9.4 million seniors and people with disabilities have saved over $15 billion on prescription drugs, an average savings of $1,598 per senior. Currently, the rising cost of prescription drug constitute the fastest growing sector of health care costs in our country, which is burdening our budget and the pocketbooks of millions of seniors and families across America.

Joining Congressman Cleaver on the call was K.J. Hertz from AARP, who helped answer constituents' questions. Mr. Hertz represents AARP and promotes its priorities before Congress and the Administration on a variety of health and aging policy issues including Medicaid, issues affecting the Medicare-Medicaid dual-eligible population, the Older Americans Act, and prescription drug and medical device issues.

Recently, Pfizer and Allergen, two of the largest prescription drug companies in the country, announced their merger. Congressman Cleaver, along with the millions of senior citizens in this country, is apprehensive over how this merger will affect the cost of prescription drugs. Congressman Cleaver pledges to remain vigilant and will continue to work to make prescription drugs more affordable and accessible for our nation's seniors.

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Claycomo, and all of Ray, Lafayette, and Saline Counties. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee, the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance, and also a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.

For more information please contact John Jones – john.h.jones@mail.house.gov or (202) 225-4535.