PISCATAWAY – Lowering drug prices was once a very bipartisan concern.

No more.

The Inflation Reduction Act, which passed with total Democratic support in 2022, among other things, allowed Medicare to negotiate drug prices.

This had been a Republican goal as well, but not in these polarizing times.  Another problem was that the act included climate change initiatives Republicans opposed.

Now it’s more than two years later and Democrats are hyping the unfolding benefits of the legislation.

Rep. Frank Pallone, whose Sixth District includes parts of Middlesex and Monmouth counties, did precisely that during a Monday morning visit to a local senior citizens center.

Pallone was so enthused, he talked about dancing. Sort of.

The 2022 legislation created a system in which a roster of drugs are subject to price negotiations each year. The first drug covered was insulin and that price has already been reduced to $35 per month for those on Medicare and also for many who have private insurance.

One of the 10 drugs now subject to negotiations between Medicare and the pharmaceutical industry is Jardiance, which treats diabetes and other ailments.

Pallone referred to a TV commercial for the drug that features a group of people dancing up a storm.

Perhaps with good reason.

Pallone noted that the price of Jardiance is now $573 for a 30-day supply. But negotiations have lowered that price to $197. The new price for Jardiance and the other drugs most recently negotiated takes place in 2026.

Nothing happens quickly in government, but the overall point is that the cost of many prescription drugs is systematically being reduced.

“This is a significant moment in our fight to lower prescription drug costs,” said Pallone. “I worked closely with President Biden to ensure Medicare drug price negotiations were included in the Inflation Reduction Act, and now, millions of seniors in New Jersey and across the country will finally see the benefits. But we can’t stop here – my legislation will ensure that everyone, no matter their insurance, can benefit from lower drug prices.”

His bill would extend the savings for Medicare recipients to those covered by private insurance. Pallone acknowledged his bill won’t pass unless Democrats control Congress and Kamala Harris wins the presidency.

It’s also true that some of this can happen without legislation.

Pallone pointed out that some drug companies have already lowered the cost of insulin to $35 a month for everyone. That’s because many private insurance companies are willing to pay only the Medicare negotiated price.

Another benefit of the bill is a $2,000 a month cap on prescriptions for seniors that takes effect next year.

Clearly, Pallone and fellow Democrats want to make sure voters know what they are doing to reduce drug costs.

State Sen. Robert Smith, who attended the event, was looking ahead. He surmised that no one was going to be asleep on Nov. 5. And he urged voters:

“Do the right thing for yourself.”