During a recent town hall event in Bangor, Maine, a local woman stood up to express her gratitude to U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders. She had just learned that the cost of her asthma inhaler, which she had been paying $300 for, had dropped to just $20. Her story is not just a personal victory but a testament to the broader impact of Sanders’ relentless fight against Big Pharma and the inflated prices of lifesaving medications.
Asthma affects millions of Americans, many of whom rely on inhalers to breathe. However, the cost of these essential devices has been exorbitantly high, with prices exceeding $300 in the United States. This burden has been particularly heavy for those without insurance or with low incomes, forcing many to ration their medication or forgo it altogether. The issue is even more striking when comparing the cost of inhalers in the U.S. to other countries, where the same devices are sold for a fraction of the price.
The situation in the U.S. reached a tipping point when Sanders and several Democratic members of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee launched an investigation in January into the pricing practices of pharmaceutical companies. The investigation revealed startling disparities, such as AstraZeneca charging $645 for an inhaler in the U.S. while selling the same product for less than $50 in the United Kingdom. This investigation shined a spotlight on the exploitative practices of pharmaceutical giants and their manipulation of the patent system to block generic competition and maintain high prices.
As a result of this investigation, and the subsequent pressure from Sanders and other lawmakers, significant changes were made. By March, three of the world’s largest inhaler manufacturers—AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, and Boehringer Ingelheim—agreed to cap out-of-pocket costs for their inhalers at $35. This was a direct outcome of the pressure exerted by lawmakers and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which also challenged the companies’ patents related to inhalers.
The impact of these policy changes was immediate and profound. The woman in Maine who thanked Sanders is just one of many who have benefited from the reduced prices. Her story is a powerful example of how government intervention can curb the greed of pharmaceutical companies and make life-saving medications more affordable for everyday Americans.
This victory is part of a broader struggle that Sanders has been engaged in for decades. Throughout his political career, Sanders has consistently challenged Big Pharma and advocated for policies that put the needs of people over corporate profits. His push for universal healthcare, embodied in his Medicare for All proposal, is rooted in the belief that no one should go bankrupt or die because they cannot afford the healthcare they need.
The reduction in inhaler prices also has broader implications for the pharmaceutical industry and healthcare policy. It demonstrates that with sufficient political will and public pressure, even the most powerful industries can be held accountable. This success story could serve as a blueprint for addressing the high costs of other medications and treatments that remain out of reach for many Americans.
Sanders is not stopping with this victory. During his recent events in Maine and New Hampshire, he has been rallying working-class voters around a progressive agenda that includes not only healthcare reform but also a federal minimum wage increase, expanded child tax credits, and policies to address income inequality. At a rally in Portland, Maine, Sanders formally endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the upcoming presidential election, urging her to prioritize a working-class agenda in her campaign. He emphasized the need for grassroots action to help Harris defeat Republican nominee Donald Trump in November.
“We have more income and wealth inequality than we’ve had in the history of this country,” Sanders said at the rally. “Sixty percent of our people are living paycheck-to-paycheck. We have the highest rate of childhood poverty of almost any major nation on Earth. We are the only major nation not to have a national healthcare system.”
Sanders’ advocacy goes beyond just rhetoric. His work has real, tangible benefits for millions of Americans, as evidenced by the reduced cost of inhalers. This is the kind of leadership that many progressive voters are looking for—someone who not only talks about change but actively works to make it happen.
The human stories behind these policy changes are essential to understanding their impact. The Maine woman’s relief at the reduced cost of her inhaler is a reminder of what’s at stake in the fight against Big Pharma. For many, it’s not just about saving money; it’s about having access to the medications that keep them alive and healthy.
As Warren Gunnels, Sanders’ staff director, put it, “Wanna know why I’ve worked for Bernie Sanders for 25 years? Moments like this.”
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