National Hispanic Council on Aging
22012 12th St., NW
Suite 101
Washington, DC 20009
July 25, 2023
The Honorable Ron Wyden (D-OR) The Honorable Mike Crapo (R-ID)
Chairman Ranking Member
U.S. Senate Committee on Finance U.S. Senate Committee on Finance
219 Dirksen Senate Office Building 219 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510 Washington, DC 20510
Dear Chairman Wyden, Ranking Member Crapo, and members of the Senate Finance Committee:
I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude and enthusiastic support for your leadership in marking up the Modernizing and Ensuring PBM Accountability (MEPA) Act. As an organization created to enhance Hispanic older adults’ quality of life, the National Hispanic Council on Aging (NHCOA), is deeply invested in the welfare of our seniors, and our healthcare system. I commend you for taking this significant step towards improving the pharmaceutical industry — by disclosing behind-the-scenes practices — as well as the lives of millions of Americans.
The rising costs of prescription drugs and the complexities of the pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) industry have been major concerns for patients and healthcare providers across the nation. Your dedication to addressing these issues through Committee action on this legislation demonstrates your commitment to the well-being of your constituents and the American people as a whole.
And while we wholeheartedly support the enhanced transparency and new reporting requirements for PBMs, we strongly believe that seniors would also greatly benefit from rebate reform. Many Hispanic older adults struggle to afford the medicines that they need, even as PBMs in Part D receive significant rebates from drug manufacturers. Behind-the-scenes practices and misaligned incentives significantly drive-up out-of-pocket costs for our seniors. We hope that rebate reform is included in a final version of this legislation.
Thank you for your leadership on this important issue for our seniors. I firmly believe that this legislation has the potential to bring about positive and lasting changes to our healthcare landscape.
If there is any way I can support this legislation or assist in advocating for its passage, please do not hesitate to reach out. Together, we can create a brighter and healthier future for all Americans.
With sincerest gratitude,
Yanira Cruz, DrPH, MPH
President & CEO
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