Why the Prescription Drug Fairness for Seniors Act Is Important Drug price discrimination hits hardest at those who need medicines the most. The average senior fills 18 prescriptions a year. Seniors now pay more for prescription drugs than any other medical expenditure except physician services. One in eight senior citizens has had to choose between purchasing food and prescription drugs, according to the Senate Special Committee on Aging. It simply ends price discrimination.
Companies can still set their best prices as they choose.
The Act simply makes this price available to Medicare beneficiaries. The Act would not reduce pharmaceutical research and development spending. Moreover, the prescription drug industry is already the most profitable business in America, first in return on revenue, equity, and assets. Preventing price gouging of seniors will not reduce research. The Act is not a comprehensive Medicare drug benefit program.