National Committee to Preserve Social Security Issues Statement Regarding President Trump 2016 Promise on Medicare Drug Prices

WASHINGTON, Oct. 1 -- The National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare issued the following statement by President and CEO Max Richtman:

"Seniors recall the 2016 promise from then-candidate Donald Trump to allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices as a strategy for lowering prescription drug costs. And they still are waiting for that to happen. Older Americans won't be fooled by a parade of empty words and promises.

"Seniors need a real-world solution to the high cost of prescription drugs now. During his upcoming visit to the Villages retirement community in Florida, the President intends to make a show of signing an Executive Order to "Protect Medicare from Socialism," demonstrating a complete lack of understanding of the Medicare program, which has deep roots in social policy.

"The President no doubt also hopes to distract attention from his plan to cut Medicare by $846 billion over ten years, a proposal to accelerate the insolvency of the Medicare Hospital Insurance trust fund -- and from his administration's promotion of private plans with limited doctor networks.

"Seniors do not need PR events to disguise the President's true agenda. They need Medicare to be strengthened and expanded - not cut."

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The National Committee, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization acts in the interests of its membership through advocacy, education, services, grassroots efforts and the leadership of the Board of Directors and professional staff. The work of the National Committee is directed toward developing better-informed citizens and voters.