Congressional Study Highlights The High Costs of Oregon Diabetes Medications

Diabetes medications in Oregon costs twice as much as in Canada — and more than four times as much as in Australia — according to a new report for Congress from the House Oversight and Reform Committee. It compares the prices for 50 brand-name diabetes drugs in Oregon to those in other developed countries. It found Medicare beneficiaries in Oregon pay more than $1,000 more per year for insulin.

Democrats in Oregon's congressional delegation, such as Rep. Suzanne Bonamici and Sen. Ron Wyden, are supporting the "Lower Drug Costs Now Act." It would allow the federal government to negotiate for lower insulin prices for Medicare patients.

"No one should have to jeopardize their health or worry about affording food because of exorbitant prices for insulin," said Bonamici. "Companies are charging much more for these critical drugs in the U.S. than abroad, hurting seniors and families in Northwest Oregon and across the country. I support the "Lower Drug Costs Now Act" to stop these disparities and allow Medicare to negotiate for better prices."