Wellie Jackson: It's Time to Put North Carolina Families First: Why We Must Reform Drug Pricing Now
It's Time to Put North Carolina Families First: Why We Must Reform Drug Pricing Now
By Wellie Jackson, State Representative-Elect for Sampson and Bladen Counties
As a turkey and hog farmer in Sampson County and the proud husband of Tara, who owns and operates our local independent pharmacy, I see firsthand the challenges our rural communities face every day. For too many families across North Carolina, the rising cost of prescription drugs is not just a line item on a budget—it's the difference between putting food on the table or filling a life-saving prescription. That's why the latest report from the Pharmaceutical Reform Alliance (PRA), "The State of U.S. Drug Pricing: Unaffordable," hits home for me and countless others in our state.
The PRA's report lays out in clear terms what many of us have long suspected: the pharmaceutical industry's anti-competitive and anti-consumer practices are driving up healthcare costs and fueling America's affordability crisis. According to the report, drug prices in the U.S. have seen annual increases that far outpace inflation, with many common medications becoming increasingly out of reach for working people. The report details how big drug companies use patent loopholes and legal maneuvers to delay lower-cost generic alternatives from reaching the market—tactics that keep prices high and choices limited for everyday Americans.
On top of these pricing strategies, the report exposes the industry's excessive spending on things like marketing and executive compensation—dollars that could instead be used to make medications more affordable. While pharmaceutical lobbyists profit, families and small business owners like Tara and myself are left scrambling to find ways to cover skyrocketing costs. In our towns, where every penny matters, these practices don't just hurt wallets—they threaten our health and the vitality of our communities.
I've watched neighbors struggle to pay for prescriptions or delay care because they simply can't afford it. Tara sees patients forced to make impossible choices at the pharmacy counter—choices no one in the world's richest country should ever have to make. The PRA's call for Congressional and administrative action isn't just timely—it's urgent. With an election year upon us, elected officials and candidates must put aside partisan bickering and focus on real solutions that put people before profits.
It's time for Congress and the Administration to act decisively. We need reforms that end exploitative patent games, promote competition, and ensure that families from Sampson to Bladen and beyond can access the medicines they need without breaking the bank. Our communities deserve leaders who will fight for affordable healthcare and stand up to special interests. As your state representative-elect, that's my promise to you—and together, I know we can build a healthier, more hopeful future for all and as soon as I get to Raleigh I will be working on this very issue.
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