NJCA lauds drug price savings for seniors; urges state Senate Leadership to finalize PDAC appointments

Newark–August 15, 2024—New Jersey Citizen Action Health Care Program Director Laura Waddell released this statement today following the Biden’s administration’s announcement that negotiations between the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and drug companies made possible by the landmark Inflation Reduction Act will result in $1.5 billion in savings for seniors on drug prices. Meanwhile, New Jersey’s Prescription Drug Affordability Council (PDAC) has yet to convene, despite its formation being made possible by law in 2023. 

“This welcome announcement proves that robust legislation can provide badly-needed relief for seniors, but millions of New Jerseyans still struggle with high drug prices. We passed a law in 2023 establishing a Prescription Drug Affordability Council (PDAC) to address the skyrocketing costs of prescription medications all New Jersey residents struggle with. But the Council cannot move forward until all members are appointed.

“We urge state Senate Leadership to build on federal momentum and finalize the remaining appointments for New Jersey’s PDAC as soon as possible, so it can begin the process of helping millions of New Jerseyans better afford lifesaving medications. New Jersey residents struggling with bills are still waiting for relief nearly a year after the PDAC law was passed. We need to act now.”

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New Jersey Citizen Action is a statewide advocacy and empowerment organization that fights for social, racial and economic justice for all.