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At least 4 killed in Oklahoma tornado outbreak; 10 shot outside Florida bar; AZ receives millions of dollars for solar investments; Maine prepares young people for climate change-related jobs, activism; Feds: Grocery chain profits soared during and after a pandemic.

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Ukraine receives much-needed U.S. aid, though it's just getting started. Protesting college students are up in arms about pro-Israel stances. And, end-of-life care advocates stand up for minors' gender-affirming care in Montana.

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More rural working-age people are dying young compared to their urban counterparts, the internet was a lifesaver for rural students during the pandemic but the connection has been broken for many, and conservationists believe a new rule governing public lands will protect them for future generations.

Older Kentuckians Demand Lower Prescription Drug Prices

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Friday, April 5, 2019   

FRANKFORT, Ky. – AARP members in Kentucky are calling on lawmakers to stop price-gouging by pharmaceutical companies.

New surveys from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and AARP show nearly three-quarters of Americans over age 50 worry about the rising cost of prescription drugs. Of those surveyed, 80% said they regularly take at least one prescription drug – yet nearly half said they either delayed or did not get a prescription filled because they couldn't afford it.

Charlotte Whittaker, AARP Kentucky's volunteer state president, says people are being forced to make hard choices in order to stay healthy.

"It's almost a crisis because, you know, the average person on Medicare D are on 4.5 drugs per month,” says Whittaker. “You know, these people are having to make decisions daily. Do I take my medicine? Do I eat? Do I pay my light bill? Because there's not a whole lot left when you're only drawing $26,000 a year."

There's been a recent outcry over the astronomical cost of insulin, which has led in some cases to rationing. Kentuckians with diabetes have demanded state and federal lawmakers take action.

Pharmaceutical companies spent more than $6 billion marketing drugs to consumers in 2017. AARP says Americans, especially seniors, are done footing the bill for drug marketing and lobbyists.

Whittaker says the group wants Congress to pass legislation allowing Medicare to negotiate for lower drug prices, and make it easier for lower-priced generic drugs to come on the market.

"We just want some changes,” says Whittaker. “We have 38 million members, and we have launched a campaign. We have already sent over 100,000 letters to congressmen. And this is just the beginning, folks."

Whittaker says there are no current federal laws or regulations to keep costs reasonable.


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