WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Rick Scott wrote an op-ed for the Sun Sentinel on his America First Drug Pricing Plan which addresses the soaring costs of prescription drugs.

In the op-ed, Senator Rick Scott wrote, “Let’s think about this for a second. Pharmaceutical companies charge low prices for prescription drugs in Canada, Europe, and Japan. At the same time, they charge American consumers significantly more. Why? Because politicians have let them for far too long.

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I recently introduced the America First Drug Pricing Plan. Here’s what it does.

Part one of my bill focuses on transparency. First, pharmacies MUST inform patients what it would cost to purchase drugs out-of-pocket instead of using their insurance and co-pay. If patients choose to pay out-of-pocket (which is often cheaper), the total cost would be applied to their deductible.

Second, insurance companies MUST inform patients of the total costs of their prescription drugs 60 days prior to open enrollment. This will allow patients to be consumers and shop around for the best deal.

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Part two of my bill may be more controversial to drug companies, but to the average American, I think it just makes sense. The America First Drug Pricing Plan would simply require that drug companies CANNOT charge American consumers more for prescription drugs than they charge consumers in other industrialized nations.

For example, a recent study found that insulin costs in the United States average $1,251 per patient per year. In the United Kingdom, that number is only $532. That’s unacceptable.

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The America First Drug Pricing Plan takes real steps to lower costs for patients and puts the consumer back in charge of their healthcare decisions.

Washington seems to have given up on reforming health care – I don’t accept that. We need to get something done this year to address the soaring costs of prescription drugs and I’m fighting every day to make sure we do.”

Read the full op-ed in the Sun Sentinel HERE.

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