Sen. McSally introduces bill to lower prescription drug prices

An issue Sen. McSally says affects her constituents.

(KYMA / KECY) - Arizonans could be paying less for prescription drugs under a new bill introduced by Arizona Senator Martha McSally, which she says is a top of the line issue for her constituents.

Using elements of past bills of its kind, McSally outlined how she plans to lower the cost of prescription drugs.

The Republican Senator stressed the need for innovative research and development so that medicare can negotiate drug prices.

Her bill also targets the abuse of power and loopholes when it comes to expiring patents on major drugs.

Some Yumans say they can afford the generics on the market, while others say McSally's bill is desperately needed.

One local told News 11, “We get discounts on the cheap generic brands so I think [prescription companies] do ok with that.”

Another person said, “$40 to $50 [for a prescription], the average American can afford maybe one month at a time. They can't get their full 90-day supply. I think the drug companies are taking advantage of the economy."

Specifically for seniors on Medicare, the bill aims to cap annual out-of-pocket expenses at $3,100.

McSally also questioned why Americans are paying more for American made drugs, yet are subsidizing other countries like Canada.

Something new that McSally wants to introduce is a real-time system where doctors can show patients cost options for prescriptions prior to arriving at the pharmacy.

McSally is hoping for bipartisan support to send her bill to the President’s desk.