Senator Reverend Warnock hosted a virtual press conference to discuss his latest efforts in Congress to lower prescription drug costs for seniors

Senator Reverend Warnock heard from older Georgians about the impact lowering prescription drug costs would have on their daily lives

Additionally, representatives from AARP joined and delivered over 92,000 virtual petitions asking the Senator to continue his fight to lower prescription drug costs and protect Medicare

Senator Reverend Warnock is a proud advocate for Georgia’s aging population, and has pushed to invest in elder care, defend Social Security and Medicare, and protect Georgia seniors from COVID-19

Senator Reverend Warnock: “It’s not just the costs of essential goods that are rising, but prescription drug costs are also increasing. That’s why in the coming weeks, I’ll be introducing legislation to cap out-of-pocket costs for seniors on Medicare Part D. This will build on the work I’ve already started by introducing bills to lower prescription drug costs for patients across the board“

Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, Senator Reverend Warnock (D-GA), a member of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, joined senior Georgians and Georgia AARP representatives for a virtual briefing to provide an update on his efforts in the Senate to lower prescription drug costs for seniors. Senator Warnock, a vocal advocate for strengthening health care access, accepted over 92,000 petitions from older Georgians pushing for more action in Washington to lower prescription drug costs for seniors. Senator Warnock also heard personal testimonies from Georgia seniors J.C. Irons and Leonard Hill about the impact of rising prescription drug costs.

Senator Reverend Warnock: “It’s not just the costs of essential goods that are rising, but prescription drug costs are also increasing. That’s why in the coming weeks, I’ll be introducing legislation to cap out-of-pocket costs for seniors on Medicare Part D. This will build on the work I’ve already started by introducing bills to lower prescription drug costs for patients across the board.“

WATCH video of Senator Warnock’s remarks, and remarks from Georgia seniors J.C. Irons and Leonard Hill HERE.

Please find Senator Warnock’s remarks, as prepared for delivery, below:

“Thank you everyone for joining this call today. I am so excited to speak with Georgia seniors, especially C.J. and Leonard who are joining me virtually.

“I’d also like to thank Debra Tyler-Horton, the State Director of AARP Georgia and Hillary Williams Thomas, the Associate State Director of AARP Georgia for joining me for this briefing. Thanks to you and AARP for all you do.

“I’ve been working for Georgia seniors since I first came into office. As a member of the Senate Aging Committee, I have consistently fought for issues important to seniors, including advocating to strengthen home care, protect Social Security and Medicare, and provide pandemic relief to seniors and families in need.

“I also regularly hear from Georgia seniors, in-person, virtually, and through letters written into my office—whether that’s visiting with seniors at Milledgeville’s State Veterans Home or local nursing homes in metro Atlanta and across our state.

“Seniors tell me that the cost of everyday goods, like food and clothing are sky-rocketing. This hits seniors especially hard, since many of you are on a fixed income. So, I’ve been laser-focused on lowering costs for Georgians, including our seniors.

“It’s not just the cost of essential goods that are rising, prescription drug costs are also increasing. That’s why, in the coming weeks, I’ll be introducing legislation to cap out-of-pocket costs for seniors on Medicare Part D.

“This will build on the work I’ve already started by introducing bills to lower prescription drug costs for patients across the board, and for insulin specifically, to cap costs for insulin at $35 a month.

“But when you talk to seniors like I have, you know these rising drug costs are particularly impactful. I’m sure many of you on this call know someone who has skipped their medication because they can’t afford it. Maybe you’ve skipped medication yourself.

“It is unconscionable that our country would allow our seniors to go without the medication they need to live healthy lives because of high costs. So, I’ll be working to introduce this important legislation in the coming days, and fighting to get it over the finish line.

“I’m also focused on building an infrastructure to meet the needs of Georgia’s senior population, which is growing at one of the fastest rates in the country.

“That’s why I strongly pushed for the White House and Congressional Leaders to pass legislation investing in home and community-based care so that the nearly 8,000 Georgians on waitlists for home care can finally get the care they need.

“I support legislation to invest in the home care workforce and improve the quality of homecare in Georgia. I’ve co-sponsored legislation to make home care more affordable.

“Lastly, I’m working to protect seniors from COVID-19, which is disproportionately dangerous for seniors living in nursing homes. The COVID-19 relief package, which I championed last year, provided nursing homes with personal protective equipment, testing, and other safety supplies.

“That legislation also secured millions to ensure every Georgia senior could quickly receive a life-saving COVID-19 vaccination.

“So, I’m excited to be with everyone today, hear directly from some of Georgia seniors, and receive your petitions representing thousands of Georgia’s AARP members. 

“Please know that I take your stories with me as I fight for you in Washington, and I’m proud to be on the frontlines of this fight with you to lower prescription drug costs for seniors and protect Medicare.”

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