(Houston, TX) – Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) hosted a community conversation last night on health care, focused on the rising costs of prescription drugs, at Memorial Drive United Methodist Church West Campus.

“Representing Texas’ Seventh Congressional District means listening directly to our neighbors, being accessible, and providing help where I can.  That’s why I’ve made it a priority to hold regular community conversations and town halls across our community,” said Congresswoman Fletcher.  “Many of our neighbors have asked me what Congress is doing to address the rising costs of prescription drugs – and for good reason.  People’s lives may depend on medication, but there is little transparency in pricing that only seems to increase.  I’m grateful to our participants who provided helpful insights.  I look forward to taking the stories I heard today back to Washington to continue working to bring meaningful solutions to our district and all Americans.”

Congresswoman Fletcher was joined by a panel of experts on health care: Dr. Andrea Caracostis, the Chief Executive Officer of the HOPE Clinic; Charles Cascio, Associate State Director of Advocacy and Outreach at the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP); and Bonnie Sheeren, an Independent Patient Advocate for Houston Health Advocacy.

To help address the rising costs of prescription drugs, Congresswoman Fletcher cosponsored and supported the passage of H.R. 3, the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act.  The bill gives Medicare the power to negotiate the cost of prescription drugs, extends those lower prices to private payers, and caps out-of-pocket medication expenses for seniors at $2,000 a year.  This legislation now awaits Senate consideration. 

Community conversations are “town halls on a topic” organized by Congresswoman Fletcher.  These conversations serve as an opportunity for constituents to ask questions or express concerns to the Congresswoman and local experts.  This event is the fifth community conversation Congresswoman Fletcher has hosted.  Previous forums focused on transportation, flooding, health care, and veterans issues.  Congresswoman Fletcher has also hosted five quarterly town halls, which serve as a general update and discussion of many issues.