To: State Desk

Contact: David Irwin, 518-447-6723; Bill Ferris, 518-447-6712, both of AARP

ALBANY, N.Y., Nov. 3 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Candidates for the New York State Senate may want to start paying a little more attention to soaring drug prices. As New Yorkers gear up for Election Day, the issue may just play a big role in who they vote for. According to AARP's state pulse polls of self-identified voters in several hotly contested State Senate races released today, most voters aren't just worried about being able to afford their drugs; they want candidate they vote for to do something about soaring drug prices.

An alarming finding from the surveys was that on average, over 15 percent of residents in just four State Senate Districts (2nd, 3rd, 35th and 49th) have delayed, or have a family member who delayed, filling a prescription because they didn't have the money to pay for it.

"Voters are sick and tired of high drug prices and they are concerned about whether they'll even be able to afford the drugs they need to stay healthy," said Lois Aronstein, AARP New York State Director. "This survey should deliver the clear message that voters expect the people they elect to the State Senate to act to make drugs more affordable and accessible for all New Yorkers."

The AARP surveys found:

-- Most respondents are concerned about being able to afford the cost of prescription drugs in the next few years.

-- The majority of potential voters believe New York State has not done enough to make drugs more affordable and will support candidates who make affordability a priority.

-- There is strong support for legislation that would require pharmaceutical companies to report what they spend on marketing drugs to physicians, and most residents age 50-plus would be more likely to vote for candidates who support such legislation.

-- The majority of respondents support legislation that would allow the state to purchase prescriptions in bulk and pass the savings onto those who are uninsured or under-insured, and they would be more likely to vote for a candidate who supports bulk- buying in the state.

"We've got a big prescription drug problem both nationally and right here in New York - the issue is weighing heavily on voters' minds," added Aronstein. "Disclosing the gifts drug companies use to influence doctors and bulk buying drugs to save money and help people in need, are steps in the right direction to solve this problem."

Drug affordability is a top priority for AARP New York. This legislative session the State Assembly overwhelmingly passed legislation allowing the state to buy its drugs in bulk to create an Rx discount card with some of the savings, and requiring drug companies to publicly disclose the gifts they give to doctors. The State Senate failed to pass either bill.

An AARP national election "pulse poll" released earlier this year found that for nearly 75 percent of those surveyed, the cost of prescription drugs will be an issue in determining who to vote for in the upcoming congressional elections. AARP Rx Watchdog Reports continue to find manufacturer prices for nearly 200 of the most commonly used brand name medications for older adults rising, on average, 6.3 percent in the 12 months ending with June 2006, while prices for many generic drugs widely used by the same population increased by a relatively low 0.4 percent.

The surveys are available online at:

http://www.aarp.org/research/health/drugs/ny_rx_2006.html

AARP has over 2.6 million members in New York State. AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50-plus have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. We produce AARP The Magazine, published bimonthly; AARP Bulletin, our monthly newspaper; AARP Segunda Juventud, our bimonthly magazine in Spanish and English; NRTA Live & Learn, our quarterly newsletter for 50-plus educators; and our website, AARP.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

http://www.usnewswire.com/

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/© 2006 U.S. Newswire 202-347-2770/

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