Hello, my name is Robyn Hutchison, I am 63 years old and live in Las Vegas, Nevada. I am a patient with diabetes and am now retired via disability after working in retail for 35 years. 

I have been diagnosed with many health conditions that have not been easy to live with. Over two decades ago, I was diagnosed with chronic neck and back pain that required pain management. Twelve years ago, I was diagnosed with high cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) requiring treatment from blood thinners. Additionally, five years ago, I underwent a below-the-knee amputation on my left leg due to complications from a number of these conditions, which has left me disabled. 

I now take several drugs which leave me responsible for some high copays. Eliquis which has a list price of $594.40 costs me between $50 to $250 a month depending on my insurance coverage. I take two different types of insulins that cost me $35 each per month, a pain medication that costs $15 per month, and insomnia and maintenance medications that thankfully cost me $0. This becomes a total monthly out-of-pocket cost of $135 monthly at best to $335 at worst. 

Due to the high cost of Eliquis, I have had to make some difficult decisions to save money. There have been times I have skipped a dose and there have been times I have cut it back tremendously, taking 15mg every other day rather than the two 10mg pills I should take daily. This, of course, has caused tremendous stress on me, making me worry about my DVT breaking loose and going into my lungs, brain, or even heart. Rationing my Eliquis dosage has also been a financial tactic to allow me to buy food, pay rent, and buy other medications that I need. I can thankfully say that my insulin at $35 is way better than what it used to be, however. 

This being said I believe in lower prescription drug prices because I would like to access and take Eliquis the way it was prescribed to me. I would like to stop feeling worthless and not have to worry about bills, paying rent, or buying groceries and live every day a little bit more stress-free. I am permanently disabled so the option of working to supplement my income is not there. I believe in lower prescription drug prices because people, including me, deserve to have access to generic versions of brand-name drugs if they need it. It would make a tremendous difference in people’s lives.