NJCA applauds signing of historic drug pricing reform bill

A Prescription Drug Affordability Council will help lower prescription drug costs for many New Jerseyans

Trenton—July 10,2023—New Jersey Citizen Action today joined lawmakers and advocates to celebrate Governor Phil Murphy’s signing of a landmark prescription drug pricing reform bill.  A2840/S1615 will establish a Prescription Drug Affordability Council and help rein in skyrocketing drug prices for New Jerseyans struggling with costs.

A2840/S1615 combines pricing transparency with a mechanism to create prescription drug affordability policy reforms that will benefit all New Jerseyans. The legislation establishes a Drug Affordability Council of independent experts charged with analyzing key data from the pharmaceutical supply chain for cost drivers. This council will make policy recommendations to New Jersey’s executive and legislative branches focused on increasing affordability at the pharmacy counter. The council’s recommendations and activities will be open to the public, ensuring accountability.

Research shows that 57% of New Jerseyans continue to struggle to afford their health care. More than half  of New Jersey residents are concerned about being able to afford prescription medication, while 1 in 4 New Jersey adults report not filling a prescription, cutting a dose in half, or skipping a dose to make their medicine last longer. The affordability crisis has most severely impacted communities of color.  

“This is great news for me,” said Camden County resident Susan Farrell.  “I’m on a fixed income and I have a number of medical issues.  For so long, it’s been a monthly struggle trying to afford my medications and many times I am having to choose between the prescriptions I need to keep me going, or paying for my groceries, my rent, or doing my laundry.  It’s good to know that help is finally on the way.”

New Jersey Citizen Action is a statewide advocacy and social service organization that advocates for social, racial and economic justice for all while also meeting the pressing needs of low and moderate income New Jerseyans through education and direct service.