Social security and Medicare is constantly under attack by politicians and special interest groups, who would like to see the funding go elsewhere.

National Committee to Protect Social Security and Medicare President and CEO Max Richtman explained to listeners the current attacks on social security and Medicare and how drug prices are being affected on America’s Work Force Union Podcast.

What does the NCPSSM

Richtman said the National Committee to Protect Social Security and Medicare exists to fight for the protections of social security so Americans can retire with dignity and the confidence that they will be taken care of.

Additionally, Richtman said the NCPSSM fights for the good programs associated with social security and against the problems that seek to undermine it.

Prescription drug prices

One of the leading issues for social security and Medicare recipients is the cost of prescription drugs, which have been skyrocketing for some time. Richtman said that even insurance coverage does not guarantee fair drug prices.

He went on to explain why the prices are so high. Despite the relatively low cost to produce many medications, pharmaceutical companies control prices. If a medication is needed, people will buy it at almost any price.

Richtman then said Medicare should be able to negotiate medication prices, ending price gouging and making it more affordable and fair to Americans.

Taxpayer funding of innovation and research

Richtman said taxpayers are currently footing the bill for a large chunk of medical research and innovation conducted by pharmaceutical companies. The issue with this, Richtman said, is the fact that drug prices remain high, despite receiving a large amount of taxpayer funding.

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