**H.R. 3 also include Kuster’s bill to ensure Medicare Beneficiaries are enrolled in a plan that best suits their needs**

Rep. Annie Kuster (NH-02) released the following statement on House passage of H.R. 3, the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act. This legislation will help bring down the cost of prescription drugs and level the playing field for American patients by giving Medicare the power to negotiate directly with drug companies. Rep. Kuster, who is the co-chair of the Bipartisan Opioid Task Force, successfully secured the creation of an Opioid Epidemic Response Fund and the inclusion of $10 billion in funding in H.R. 3 to fight the opioid epidemic over the next five years. H.R. 3 also includes the Maximizing Drug Coverage for Low-Income Seniors Act, which Kuster introduced in October to improve the Medicare Enrollment process and ensure Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in a Part D plan that best meets their needs.

“No one should have to choose between the prescriptions they need and other essentials like food or rent. By passing this legislation, we took a historic step to lower the price of prescription drugs and give Americans peace of mind in being able to afford their medications. I’m proud I secured funding to assist those on the frontlines of the opioid epidemic, and thrilled my legislation ensuring Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in right plan was also included. H.R. 3 is a commonsense piece of legislation, and I urge the Senate to swiftly bring this bill to a vote so we can provide the American people with much-needed relief at the pharmacy counter.”

See Rep. Kuster speak in support of H.R. 3 on the floor here, or read below:

Thank you, Mister Chair.

I have long called for Congress to take meaningful action to lower prescription drug costs by allowing the direct negotiation of prescription drug prices by Medicare.

I am proud to cosponsor H.R. 3, the Lower Drug Costs Now Act and I am pleased to see it includes my legislation, the Respond Now Act, as the basis for much-needed funding to combat the opioid epidemic.

H.R. 3 provides $10 billion in direct funding, including investments directly into our communities who are on the frontlines of this epidemic.

I am also grateful to see H.R.3 include funding to support children impacted by this crisis, so that they can access trauma-informed practices in schools.

Thank you, Mister Speaker, for the inclusion of this critical funding to help Granite State families and communities across the country.

I urge my colleagues to vote YES on this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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