WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Rick Scott released the below statement following President Trump’s announcement of a series of executive orders aimed at lowering drug prices for American families.

Addressing the soaring costs of prescription drugs has been one of Senator Scott’s top priorities since taking office. He has introduced a number of solutions to make health care more affordable and accessible for all Americans, including:

• The America First Drug Pricing Plan to address the soaring costs of prescription drugs by promoting transparency and preventing drug companies from forcing American consumers to subsidize low drug prices in foreign countries;
• The Protecting Patients from Surprise Medical Bills Act to end the practice of surprise medical billing;
• The Prescription Drug Price Reporting Act to create a consumer-friendly database of prescription drug prices;
• The We Protect American Investment in Drugs (PAID) Act  to prohibit pharmaceutical companies developing prescription drugs using federally-funded research, like NIH or CDC grants, from charging American consumers unreasonable prices for life-saving drugs; and
• The Affordable Coronavirus Testing Act to make sure all Americans have access to affordable COVID-19 tests, that antibody tests are covered by insurance, and that testing information is efficiently shared among health care providers and public health officials. 

Senator Rick Scott said, “Families across the country are struggling to afford life-saving medication. I’ve spoken to President Trump and the Administration at length about this, and I’m glad the President is focused on taking action to lower health care costs for Americans. Drug companies should not charge American consumers more for prescription drugs than they charge consumers in other industrialized nations, like Great Britain, Canada or Germany. That’s what my America First Drug Pricing Plan would change, and I’m glad to see the President leading this charge. It’s common sense. 

“It’s time for Congress to get off the sidelines and pass real solutions to drive down the cost of health care, so all families can get the care they so desperately need. Soaring prescription drug costs are hurting Americans, and it is incumbent upon my colleagues in Washington to finally stand up and fight for what is right.”

###