“Access to affordable and quality health care is a human right, and no one should be forced to go to the emergency room because they can’t afford their prescription drugs,” said Congressman Donald Norcross. “Thankfully, South Jersey physicians and free clinics are helping provide residents struggling to afford health care with the services they deserve, but we must take action now to expand access and lower prescription drug costs for families and seniors.”

Click here to watch the press conference. Click here to view or download photos from the press conference.

“This year, our volunteer doctors and I have seen nearly 1,000 South Jersey patients who have fallen through the cracks of the health care system,” said Dr. Oyeyemi, Founder and Director of the Cherry Hill Free Clinic. “Through the continued support of Virtua, the Gracious Center of Learning and Enrichment Activities and lawmakers like Congressman Norcross, the Cherry Hill Free Clinic is able to offer vital services to the members of our South Jersey community who are most in need of affordable health care and prescription drugs.”

“There is no reason for Americans to continue paying the highest prescription drug prices in the world.  Right now, Americans pay twice as much for their prescription drugs as people in other countries,” said Evelyn Liebman, AARP NJ Director of Advocacy. “Millions of Americans choose everyday between buying medicine or groceries. Many end up skipping doses of their medication to save money. It’s just not right. We need immediate action to lower prices, as older adults are particularly hard-hit by outrageously high prescription drug prices. AARP, on behalf of its nearly 38 million members and all older Americans nationwide, supports the Elijah Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act of 2019 and thank Congressman Norcross for leading the fight to pass H.R. 3 and lower prescription drug prices.”

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“Since the launch of the Affordable Care Act, tens of millions of Americans have gained health coverage, including more than 800,000 right in New Jersey. But many Americans continue to struggle to afford the cost of coverage and care,” said Maura Collinsgru, Health Care Program Director, New Jersey Citizen Action. “H.R. 3 is a vital step in helping to bring the costs of prescription drugs down, and the work of community health centers like the Cherry Hill Free Health Clinic helps ensure that essential health services reach our most vulnerable state residents. We thank Congressman Norcross and Dr. Oyeyemi for their commitment to bring affordable, accessible care to more New Jerseyans. We are committed to working with them and all our community partners throughout the ACA’s open enrollment period and urge residents in need of health care to sign up for coverage before December 15^th.”

About H.R. 3, the Lower Drug Costs Now Act:

• Last month, Congressman Norcross voted to advance H.R. 3, the Lower Drug Costs Now Act. The bill, which would cut the cost of prescription drugs for all Americans, passed the Committee on Education and Labor after approving an amendment offered by Norcross to protect consumers and employees from hidden costs.

Click here to read more about Congressman Norcross’s vote to lower prescription drug costs.

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Contact: Carrie Healey, Communications Director
carrie.healey@mail.house.gov