Norcross Votes to Require Medicare to Negotiate Lower Drug Prices

Committee Approves Norcross Amendment to Cap Costs of Copayments

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) today voted to advance H.R. 3, the Lower Drug Costs Now Act. The bill, which is a bold proposal to cut the cost of prescription drugs for all Americans, passed the Committee on Education and Labor after approving an amendment offered by Norcross to protect consumers and employees from hidden costs.

“Americans are crying out for relief from skyrocketing prescription drug costs, and this bill will lower drug prices for every patient struggling to afford their medications,” said Congressman Norcross, a sponsor of H.R. 3 and New Jersey’s only member of the Education and Labor Committee. “Drug companies are charging hard-working Americans exponentially more for prescriptions than they charge patients in other countries – this is unacceptable. Every American has a right to affordable healthcare and today we’re one step closer to that goal.”

The committee approved Congressman Norcross’ amendment that gives additional protection to consumers and workers by ensuring that if an employer’s plan accepts the Medicare-negotiated drug price, then they cannot charge the employee more for the drug than the negotiated price.

Norcross added: “My amendment to H.R. 3 would protect consumers by preventing companies from profiting off their employees when the employer accepts Medicare-negotiated drug prices.”

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