Representative Angie Craig, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Create Pricing Transparency in Prescription Drug TV Ads

WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Representative Angie Craig helped introduce the Plain Prescription Prices Act, which would ensure list prices for prescription drugs are disclosed in TV advertisements. Unlike the prices of most products advertised on TV, the list prices of prescription drugs are largely hidden from the public. With this bipartisan reform, led by Craig and Representatives Don Bacon (NE-02), Nikema Williams (GA-05) and Bryan Stein (WI-01), consumers will be empowered to make decisions that help lower prescription drug prices.

"The American people deserve to know exactly what they're paying for their prescription drugs so they can make informed decisions about their health care. And yet, despite recent efforts to ensure transparency, Big Pharma continues to do everything in its power to keep consumers in the dark while spending billions of dollars annually on marketing their medications," said Representative Craig. "Today, I'm proud to join my colleagues in introducing this commonsense legislation to require pharmaceutical companies to share the list prices of their products in TV ads."

"Making prescription drug prices more affordable must be a top priority, and citizens should know exactly how much their medication is going to cost," said Representative Bacon. "I'm glad to join my House colleagues in this bipartisan effort to ensure the list price is clearly labeled—no gimmicks, no broken promises."

"No one should have to choose between putting food on the table or taking their prescriptions. Unfortunately, that's the reality for too many of my constituents," said Representative Williams. "Some have to ration their medicine to get by. We all deserve quality, affordable healthcare with a transparent price tag. With the Plain Prescription Prices Act, consumers can hold drug companies accountable for spiking drug prices and help bring down the cost of healthcare for everyone."

"Prescription drug prices strain budgets for many families and seniors. In order to lower the cost of prescription drugs, we need to improve transparency and provide consumers with the best choices," said Representative Steil. "I am proud to co-lead the Plain Prescription Prices Act, which requires drug manufacturers to disclose drug prices in consumer ads. This is a simple way to increase transparency and provide patients with the options they deserve."

Full text of The Plain Prescription Prices Act can be found here.

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