FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts:
Courtney N. Haywood
Director of Communications, Office of the President
Prince George’s Community College
haywoocn@pgcc.edu
301-546-5658
Samantha E. McCoy
Assistant Director, Office of Communications
Prince George’s Community College
mccoyse@pgcc.edu
301-546-5610
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Photo credit: Alexander Albrittain / PGCC
LARGO, Md. (August 15, 2024) — President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris announced lower prescription drug prices for Americans enrolled in Medicare during a visit to Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) on Thursday. They each spoke about new drug price negotiations between their administration and pharmaceutical companies to lower the out-of-pocket costs of 10 lifesaving prescription drugs and save billions of American taxpayer dollars.
“Every senior in our nation should be able to live with security, stability, and dignity,” Vice President Kamala Harris said. “In the United States of America, no senior should have to choose between either filling their prescription or paying rent. That’s the subject of today.”
“We pay more for prescription drugs than any other advanced nation in the world,” President Joe Biden said. “Today, I’m proud to announce that Medicare has reached agreement with all manufacturers on all 10 drugs selected in the first round of negotiations.”
Beginning in January 2026, millions of American senior citizens and others on Medicare will begin to see lower drug prices for medications that treat conditions such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and blood clots. This announcement comes after their administration’s successful efforts to cap the out-of-pocket cost of insulin at $35, prevent surprise medical billing for unexpected costs, and prohibit health care providers from including medical bills on consumers’ credit reports.
During the event, Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks spoke about the Biden-Harris Administration’s work to keep expenses low for the American people. “Lowering costs for working families is the number one priority of this administration. And it’s clear they are making progress,” Alsobrooks said. “America does well when Americans are thriving.”
Maryland Governor Wes Moore also attended and gave remarks emphasizing the importance of this announcement. “It is exciting to know that we have an administration who sees us and fights for us,” Moore said. “Maryland is going to continue to be a full partner with this administration to protect, defend, and strengthen the basic rights that we cherish.”
Prince George’s Community College is honored to host President Biden and Vice President Harris for their joint appearance. This also marks President Biden’s second visit to the College in less than a year. In September 2023, President Biden visited PGCC to deliver a speech on his Bidenomics platform.
“Prince George’s Community College is proud to have hosted President Biden and Vice President Harris for a pivotal discussion on lowering health care costs,” PGCC President Dr. Falecia D. Williams said. “This event highlights our mission to transform lives and support all students, both traditional and nontraditional. As Governor Wes Moore noted, ‘Some of our most amazing leaders in our state—this is where they are bred, this is where they are trained, and this is where they will continue to lead.’ PGCC remains dedicated to enhancing education and opportunity, aligning with our commitment to empower students and enrich our community."
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About Prince George’s Community College
Named a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance designated by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security (2022-2027), Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) provides high-quality education and training for the progressive and career-oriented residents of Prince George’s County. From new high school graduates and career seekers to more seasoned professionals and senior citizens looking to enhance their skill sets, PGCC is comprised of students who represent a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and goals. Serving nearly 25,000 individuals annually, the College is the first choice for higher education for residents of Prince George’s County. Collaborative partnerships, responsive degree and training programs, and a commitment to student success enable PGCC to address diverse education and workforce development demands.
For more information, visit the College’s website at www.pgcc.edu. Prince George’s Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104; (267-284-5000); www.msche.org. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council on Higher Education.