Page 14 - World Pride Playbook June 26
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What does AARP say to the pharma’s response that higher drug prices are necessary to fund
               innovation?

               This is a specious, false argument. Drug makers spend far more on advertising and administration than
               they do on research and development. CEOs of pharmaceutical companies recently testified before
               Congress that they make profits in every country in which they sell the same pharmaceuticals as are
               available in the U.S. but at lower prices in other countries.

               What is AARP’s position on PBMs?

               AARP welcomes a broad look across the entire drug supply chain, including pharmaceutical
               manufacturers, insurers, pharmacy benefit managers, hospitals, doctors, and pharmacists, to find ways
               to help drive down drug prices.

               To do that, we must deal directly with the root cause of high drug prices: price gouging by drug
               companies.

               Is AARP supporting lower drug costs because UHC wants to save money on their insurance plans?

               AARP’s advocacy for public policy is based on what is best for our members and all 50+ Americans, as is
               our partnerships when we license our name to others to provide products or services that we believe
               meet the needs of 50+ Americans. Our advocacy for public policy is in no way influenced by any
               branded product or service.

               Like hundreds of other nonprofit organizations – as diverse as Little League Baseball, the American
               Medical Association and American Farm Bureaus – AARP earns revenue to fund our mission of
               improving American lives by licensing our brand to carefully selected providers of products and
               services that are highly suited to our membership.

               AARP Services Inc., a taxable subsidiary of AARP, provides quality control over branded products and
               marketing practices of the providers.

               What does AARP think of the president’s budget proposal?

               The President’s budget was just released yesterday and we’re still evaluating the details. We are
               heartened that President Trump’s budget continues to highlight the need to address prescription drug
               prices, but we’re also concerned about proposed cuts to programs important to seniors. That’s all we
               have for you right now.

               Does AARP discriminate against people with pre-existing health conditions?

               For over six decades, AARP has been a nonpartisan, nonprofit advocate for quality affordable health
               insurance for older Americans, which is one reason why AARP strongly supported the requirement to
               provide access to comprehensive coverage to anyone irrespective of health status. It is also why AARP
               has previously endorsed legislation to ensure that people with preexisting conditions also have access
               to Medigap coverage, which continues to be AARP’s policy today.
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