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May 22, 2017

Dear Senators and Representatives,

As the debate over fixing national healthcare policy continues, we anticipate hearing resurrected calls to raid existing entitlement programs to pay for increased spending on other programs.

On behalf of our organizations and the millions of Americans we represent, we write to let you know that we oppose such efforts, including those cloaked as efforts to require pharmaceutical companies to “rebate” portions of their drug sale proceeds into Medicare. Any effort to do so would force drug makers to sell their products at a loss, and would constitute a new tax, not a “rebate.” The negative impacts of this new tax would be passed along to consumers in the form of higher costs for life-saving prescription drugs, more expensive premiums, and less medical innovation — all of which would be harmful to seniors.

Additionally, we oppose allowing the government to fix?prices. Market-based programs should not be subject to government interference. Such action would result in little to no savings, per the Congressional Budget Office’s analysis.

We hope you will reject any risky tax hike scheme on prescription drugs, and any other effort that would increase the cost of medical care on patients across the country.

Thank you in advance for your favorable consideration.

Sincerely,

Chrissy Harbin, Vice President of External Affairs Americans for Prosperity

Jim Martin, Chairman 60 Plus Association

Sean Noble, President American Encore

Peter J. Thomas, Chairman Americans for Constitutional Liberty

Tom Brinkman Jr., Chairman?Coalition Opposed to Additional Spending and Taxes (COAST)

Mark Lucas, Executive Director Concerned Veterans for America

Nathan Nascimento, Vice President of Policy Freedom Partners Chamber of Commerce

David Barnes, Policy Director Generation Opportunity

Carrie L. Lukas, President Independent Women's Forum

Heather R. Higgins, President and CEO Independent Women’s Voice

Daniel Garza, President The LIBRE Initiative

Harry C. Alford, President/CEO National Black Chamber of Commerce

Pete Sepp, President National Taxpayers Union

William Whipple III, President Secure America's Future Economy