Tester’s Bill to Lower Prescription Drug Costs Takes Major Step Forward

Senator’s Legislation Will Pave the Way for Development of Affordable Generic Drugs

(Anaconda, Mont.) – U.S. Senator Jon Tester’s bipartisan bill to hold big pharmaceutical companies accountable and lower prescription drug prices took a major step forward in the U.S. Senate.

Tester’s CREATES Act, which will increase market competition and lower prices, passed the Senate Judiciary Committee this week.

“It’s high time we get folks the medicine they need without charging them an arm and a leg in the process,” Tester said. “Health care costs are too high and this bill will make life saving prescriptions more affordable.”

Tester sponsored the CREATES Act following a statewide health care listening tour where he met with nurses, doctors and patients to hear directly about the state’s most pressing health care needs.

“In my listening sessions with Montanans, the number one thing I’ve heard is that life-saving drugs are too expensive,” Tester continued. “The CREATES Act will pave the way for folks to get their hands on affordable, generic versions of brand name drugs.”

Big pharmaceutical companies block the development of generic versions of their brand name drugs so they can raise prices without competition. Tester’s CREATES Act will cut red tape so cheaper alternatives can be developed and approved faster.

Tester has a proven record of fighting to lower prescription drug costs. He has introduced legislation to increase transparency, while holding big pharmaceutical companies and the Administration accountable.

Last month, Tester called on President Trump to work with him to lower costs for Montanans.

More information on Tester’s efforts to lower prescription drug prices is available HERE.