1. United States
2. Wisc.
3. Letter

Pharmaceutical companies raising prices on hundreds of drugs at the start of the year is deeply concerning and harmful to patients. These unjustified price hikes make life-saving medications increasingly unaffordable, putting profits over people's health and wellbeing. Many of these drugs treat serious conditions like cancer, and families should not be forced to choose between financial ruin and proper medical care. The practice of hiking launch prices to circumvent public backlash on annual price increases is an unethical tactic that must be addressed through legislative action. While list prices may differ from net prices, the increasing cost burden ultimately falls on patients through higher premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses. This exploitative pricing behavior from Big Pharma is unacceptable. Reforms are urgently needed to rein in unchecked drug pricing and ensure affordability and accessibility for all. I urge you to support policies that empower Medicare to negotiate prices, cap out-of-pocket costs for seniors, and penalize corporations for egregious price gouging. Pharmaceutical corporations have a moral and ethical obligation to prioritize patients over profits. Our constituents are relying on you to hold these companies accountable and make affordable medication a reality.