Chris Murphy: “Americans purchase 68 percent more prescription drugs today than they did just 10 years ago, and at the same time…”

“Americans purchase 68 percent more prescription drugs today than they did just 10 years ago, and at the same time, retail prescription prices have risen three times the rate of inflation. How can people afford the medication they need? Some propose price controls, others want the government to pay, but let us also give the power to the patient. Whether we are buying groceries or clothes or cars or even airline tickets, when consumers can compare prices they can drive those prices down. Why not do the same for prescription drugs? Today, many State governments are setting up Web sites for consumers to compare drug prices in their area. These Internet sites help patients to shop smarter and get more affordable choices. One study found that Web sites offering drug comparisons can save patients as much as 40 percent. Congress should support public-private partnerships for sharing online information to help lower these costs for consumers. I urge my colleagues to learn more about how informed consumers can lower their costs on prescription drugs by visiting my Web site at murphy.house.gov. ____________________”