LA CROSSE, WI – This afternoon, Protect Our Care’s Care Force One arrived in the Coulee Region to spotlight how recent legislative victories by President Biden and Democrats in Congress are “driving down” health costs for the American people. The Inflation Reduction Act and other measures are already saving people thousands of dollars a year — with even more savings on the way. August marks the first anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act and the savings it continues to deliver to Wisconsinites. During today’s event Sen. Baldwin, executives with Gundersen/Bellin Health and health care advocates heralded cost saving measures like the $35 per prescription per month insulin cap, annual out-of-pocket caps, and Medicare’s Drug Price Negotiation Program.
“I was proud to support the Inflation Reduction Act – which was signed into law almost a year ago – to finally provide some relief for Wisconsin families and hold big drug companies accountable for prioritizing profits over people,” said Senator Baldwin. “This critical piece of legislation takes several steps to help lower the costs of prescription drugs. After years of fighting, we are finally giving Medicare the power to negotiate lower prescription drug prices and we are capping out-of-pocket costs for nearly 46 million seniors across the country.”
Sen. Baldwin also noted the deficit reduction impact of the landmark legislation, noting, “This will not only cut drug costs for Americans, but it saves taxpayers hundreds of billions of dollars.
Sue Schultz, who has lived in the region for more than 40 years, takes 13 medications for issues ranging from asthma to diabetes. “I want to thank Senator Tammy Baldwin and President Joe Biden and additional Democrats, who have worked to lower the cost of prescription drugs and health insurance,” said Schultz. “By working to reduce the costs for insurance and drugs by the current administration, my financial life has been made easier. I am grateful for what has been done so far.”
Holmen resident Amy Taebel – a Type 1 diabetic – shared that her out of pocket costs for insulin are nearly $500 every month. “That $500 adds up very quickly,” said Taebel. “I am so thankful for Sen. Baldwin and other Senators for fighting (for us).”
Baldin noted her ongoing work to pass additional prescription drug related legislation that could lower drug costs, including the FAIR Drug Pricing Act.
Gunderson Health speakers spoke movingly about the impact prescription drugs have on their community members and those they serve, recognizing the fight is not yet over Heather Schimmers said, “We urge Congress to continue to pass legislation to lower drug costs.”
Tomorrow, the “Lower Costs, Better Care” tour will continue in Wisconsin, where Protect Our Care will be joined by Governor Tony Evers. Over four weeks, Care Force One will travel to more than 16 states, make more than 30 stops, and travel nearly 8,000 miles. For more information, click here.
Protect Our Care’s Care Force One will make stops in:
Manchester, New Hampshire on Monday, July 31, 2023
Portsmouth, New Hampshire on Monday, July 31, 2023
Syracuse, New York on Tuesday, August 1, 2023
Kingston, New York on Tuesday, August 1, 2023
Westchester, New York on Wednesday, August 2, 2023
New York City, New York on Wednesday, August 2, 2023
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Thursday, August 3, 2023
Uniontown, Pennsylvania on Friday, August 4, 2023
Youngstown, Ohio on Monday, August 7, 2023
Toledo, Ohio on Monday, August 7, 2023
Detroit, Michigan on Tuesday, August 8, 2023
Lansing, Michigan on Tuesday, August 8, 2023
La Crosse, Wisconsin on Wednesday, August 9, 2023
Green Bay, Wisconsin on Thursday, August 10, 2023
St. Paul, Minnesota on Friday, August 11, 2023
Las Vegas, Nevada on Monday, August 14, 2023
Bakersfield, California on Tuesday, August 15, 2023
Los Angeles, California on Tuesday, August 15, 2023
Orange County, California on Wednesday, August 16, 2023
Palm Springs, California on Wednesday, August 16, 2023
Phoenix, Arizona on Thursday, August 17, 2023
Tucson, Arizona on Thursday, August 17, 2023
Albuquerque, New Mexico on Friday, August 18, 2023
Atlanta, Georgia on Monday, August 21, 2023
Macon, Georgia on Monday, August 21, 2023
Charlotte, North Carolina on Tuesday, August 22, 2023
Greensboro, North Carolina on Tuesday, August 22, 2023
Raleigh, North Carolina on Wednesday, August 23, 2023
Norfolk, Virginia on Wednesday, August 23, 2023
Richmond, Virginia on Thursday, August 24, 2023
Wilmington, Delaware on Thursday, August 24, 2023
Allentown, Pennsylvania on Friday, August 25, 2023
