To the editor:

Americans pay the highest brand-name drug prices in the world. It’s important for Congress and the President Donald Trump’s Administration to take action to lower prescription drug prices, the root cause of this problem.

That’s why AARP launched a national campaign urging federal and state policymakers to “Stop Rx Greed” by cracking down on price-gouging drug companies. AARP’s goal is to help lower drug prices for all Americans through decisive actions and solutions aimed not only at the federal level but also at the state level.

In 2017, the average annual cost for one brand-name medication used on a chronic basis was almost $6,800. For the average older American taking 4.5 prescription drugs per month, the average annual cost of therapy would have been more than $30,000.

In 2016, 28% of Kansans stopped taking a prescription drug as prescribed due to cost.

No American should be forced to choose between paying for the medicines they need and paying for food, rent or other necessities. As a nurse with over 40 years working with patients needing home health and hospice services, I have seen the financial crisis to individuals and families who cannot afford the cost of their prescription medication. I urge Congress, especially members of the Kansas congressional delegation, to protect older Americans and pass bipartisan, common-sense legislation to lower prescription drug prices. Please join me in calling for our senators and representatives to do the right thing.

Judy Bellome, AARP Kansas volunteer state president,

Lawrence