NCL applauds expansion of Medicaid in North Carolina

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March 28, 2023

Media contact: National Consumers League – Katie Brown, katie@nclnet.org, 202-823-8442

Washington, D.C. – North Carolina became the 40th state to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. “NCL applauds Governor Roy Cooper, the work of relentless advocates, and those in the state legislature -Republicans and Democrats- who worked to make this week’s legislation possible,” said Robin Strongin, director of NCL’s health policy work. House Bill 76, the Access to Healthcare Options, is expected to provide health coverage to over 600,000 people throughout North Carolina.

“The expansion of Medicaid is a lifeline for those in need, shoring up rural health care, strengthening mental health services, improving access to health care for working families. The other 10 states should follow North Carolina’s lead,” continued Strongin.

Governor Cooper proposed using a portion of the almost $1.8 billion Medicaid expansion signing bonus to create the Improving Health Outcomes for People Everywhere (IHOPE) Fund.  Medicaid expansion will take effect upon the signing into law of the FY 2023-25 appropriations act.

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)
The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization.  Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad.  For more information, visit nclnet.org.

NCL applauds the Biden Administration’s $11-billion budget proposal to eliminate Hepatitis C

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March 22, 2023

Media contact: National Consumers League – Katie Brown, katie@nclnet.org, 202-823-8442

Washington, D.C. – President Biden has proposed significant funding for a historic national Hepatitis C elimination program. “President Biden’s efforts to create a mandatory national program to expand testing, treatment, and prevention of Hepatitis C is a major step forward in eradicating a disease for which we have a cure.” said Robin Strongin, NCL’s Health Policy Director.  “We have the opportunity to use a proven oral medication to cure a lethal disease.  NCL stands ready to assist and is pleased to see initial bipartisan, bicameral support to relinquish a disease affecting 2.4 million Americans.”

Hepatitis C is a viral liver infection transmitted through blood. Roughly 40% of people do not know that they are infected.  Left untreated, Hep C can lead to chronic illness, including liver cancer and death.  The tragedy here is that a cure has existed since 2013.  The price of the once-daily, 8-12 week course of an oral therapy (pills) that cures the disease in 95% of patients is roughly $24,000, down from its original price, but still out of reach for many. Populations at increased risk of Hep C include people who use or inject drugs, people with HIV/AIDS, people experiencing homelessness, and the incarcerated.

The program overall is expected to cost $5.2 billion over 10 years after accounting for the reduced health care costs, and that’s only the financial calculation. It doesn’t take into account the number of lives saved from the devastation of losing a loved one. Dr. Francis Collins, the White House official who has championed this initiative from the beginning, estimates it would save more than 100,000 lives by 2050.

NCL echoes the sentiments expressed by White House Hep C senior advisors Dr. Francis Collins and Dr. Rachael Fleurence in their recent op-ed:

“It is rare to have the opportunity, using a simple and safe oral medication, to eliminate a lethal disease. But that is the situation facing the United States with hepatitis C. Congressional support can make possible a historic public health initiative that can prevent suffering, save lives, and ultimately save money — to the benefit of all U.S. residents. How can we not do this?”

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)
The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization.  Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad.  For more information, visit nclnet.org.

National Consumers League calls for accountability in banking collapses 

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March 22, 2023

Media contact: National Consumers League – Katie Brown, katie@nclnet.org, 202-823-8442

Washington, D.C. – The National Consumers League is calling on Congress and the Biden Administration to pass long-overdue reforms and roll back the 2018 deregulations that contributed to the collapse of regional banks like Silicon Valley Bank. Absent such action, it is likely that consumers’ faith in the banking system will continue to be put at risk with negative consequences for the entire American economy.

The following statement is attributable to Sally Greenberg, NCL Chief Executive Officer: 

“The public should not be on the hook for bankers’ poor risk management. Consumers deserve a full explanation of what went wrong, from improper financial administration to poor governmental oversight. To reduce the risk of such meltdowns happening in the future, those responsible – including executives and regulators – must be held accountable.”

In 2018, the National Consumers League (NCL) joined with dozens of other public interest organizations in opposing the banking deregulation law known as the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act. This month, the collapse of multiple banks highlighted the risk of allowing these institutions to operate without scrutiny. Silicon Valley Bank in particular escaped stress testing and enhanced liquidity requirements as a result of the 2018 deregulation. Last week, NCL endorsed legislation introduced by Senator Elizabeth Warren and Representative Katie Porter that would reverse the 2018 banking deregulation provisions. 

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)
The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization.  Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad.  For more information, visit nclnet.org.

Judge Kacsmaryk is poised to redefine the withdrawal method: FDA interuptus should alarm everyone

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By Robin Strongin, Health Policy Director

Bill Tompkins

Here we go, again.

Up until the Dobbs decision in 2022, Roe v Wade had been the law of the land since 1973.

Up until today, women didn’t have to worry that mifepristone, approved by FDA in 2000, would be available as a safe and effective and legal way to end an early pregnancy.

But, Texas Federal Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, who has been vehemently anti-choice his entire life, is the judge who will decide whether to issue a preliminary injunction ordering FDA to withdraw its longstanding approval of mifepristone, the first pill in the two-drug medication abortion regimen.

Women, and their health providers, stand at a crossroads.  All women, not just those in Texas.

For some, it’s not enough that Roe was overturned in 2022.  Back in November 2022 the Alliance Defending Freedom, a conservative legal group, filed a lawsuit on behalf of antiabortion medical organizations and doctors.  At issue is the FDA’s approval of mifepristone, otherwise known as the medication abortion pill.  The plaintiffs, led by the Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine, have asked the judge to issue a preliminary injunction ordering the FDA to withdraw mifepristone.

Photo: Robyn Beck / AFP via Getty Images

This is unchartered territory.  The court is being asked, for the first time, to basically overturn the approval of a drug.  A drug that has been safely used for decades by over 5.6 million[i] women.  The drug regimen terminates pregnancies successfully 99.6% of the time, with a 0.4% risk of major complications, and an associated mortality rate of less than 0.001 percent (0.00064%).[ii]

This case, and several others that have been brought forward on medication abortion, raise questions about the role of the courts in reviewing the FDA’s findings about a particular drug.  This is chilling. Not only for the women who rely on this medication, but this case has the potential to set up an extremely alarming precedent for other FDA approved drugs.

And it’s dangerous territory for women and their health providers.  According to a court filing, FDA stated that overturning its approval of mifepristone would “cause significant harm, depriving patients of a safe and effective drug that has been on the market for more than two decades.”

Should Judge Kacsmaryk rule in favor of the plaintiffs, over half the abortions in the US could come to a halt—this includes abortions in states where abortion rights are (still) protected.  This case is expected to find its way to the Supreme Court—to the same justices who overturned Roe v Wade.

Through a coordinated strategy to take away women’s reproductive rights, advancing abortion bans—at the federal level, at the state level, and through the courts, results in confusion, fear, and poor health outcomes.

Fortunately, experts seem to agree that if the worst were to happen, and the preliminary injunction is granted (and remain in place following the inevitable appeals), there are several options that could allow for the continuing supply of the drug and for providers to continue prescribing.

For example, some abortion providers are planning to provide only the second abortion medication, misoprostol, which is used safely on its own in many countries, though it does have more side effects than mifepristone.

Earlier this week, Governor Gavin Newsom (D-Calif) announced that California state government would no long do business with Walgreens because of their decision that it won’t sell mifepristone in states where Republicans have threatened legal action, even in those states where abortion remians legal.

All of this is happening during Women’s History Month.  But, knowledge is power. According to the Guttmacher Institute, a leading research and policy organization committed to advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights worldwide,  “Since its approval, medication abortion has been used over four million times and has become so widely accepted by patients and providers that it now accounts for more than half of all US abortions—492,210 of the 930,160 abortions (53%) provided in 2020 were done with abortion pills.”

According to the Guttmacher researchers, the impact of eliminating access to medication abortion would differ greatly state to state, but could be especially promounced in rural counties and regions of any state….These 10 states could experience the most severe impact:

Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Montana, New Mexico, Pennsylvania,Vermontand Washington.

Guttmacher created an interactive map, capturing abortion-related policies and data, categorizing states from the most restrictive to the most protective.

On the map, viewers can also see demographic information and key abortion statistics. The data for women of reproductive age* in each state include:

  • Age-groups and race/ethnicity
  • Proportion living below 200% of the federal poverty level
  • Types of health insurance used
  • Proportion born outside the United State

Abortion-related statistics for each state include:

  • Number and rate of abortions provided
  • Number of clinics that provide abortions
  • Average driving distance to the nearest abortion clinic

The new interactive map is available here.

*The use of “women” to refer to the population of people potentially impacted by abortion policies reflects the terminology in the US census, from which many of our data points are drawn. We recognize that gender identities are diverse and not everyone who needs an abortion may identify as a woman. We reflect that reality in our language where we can, while also accurately describing the underlying data.

[i] Mifepristone US Post-Marketing Adverse Events Summary through 6/30/2022; TTT #2022-2468.  NDA 020687.  ANDA 091178. www.fda.gov

[ii] Mifepristone US Post-Marketing Adverse Events Summary through 12/31/2018; RCM #2007-525.  NDA 20-687.  www.fda.gov

What will happen to President Biden’s student debt forgiveness plan?

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Sally Greenberg

By Sally Greenberg, Chief Executive Officer

Last week, I attended the oral argument in the Supreme Court challenging student debt forgiveness initiative launched by the Biden Administration. The states of Missouri, Nebraska and four others, along with two students, are challenging Biden’s proposal to forgive student loan debt for 40 million Americans.

During his campaign, President Biden promised to reduce the albatross of student debt burdening millions of young Americans through his Department of Education. His proposal only applies to federal loans and is narrowly tailored and means tested. The plaintiff states and students challenging the loan forgiveness plan are arguing that it exceeds federal law, and that “canceling hundreds of billions of dollars in student loans is a breathtaking assertion of power.” The administration countered that Education Secretary Miguel Cardona has the authority to forgive the debt under a 2003 law, the Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students Act.

The debt forgiveness program would cancel up to $10,000 of debt for those who have federal student loans as long as they make under $125,000 or $250,000 for couples. Those getting Pell grants are eligible for an additional $10,000. Thus, 20 million students could see their debt totally wiped out; all told, it will cost taxpayers $430 billion.

Sitting in the courtroom, I was seeing the new members of the Supreme Court in action for the first time and that was fun. Each of the justices has their own distinct style. Some are far more engaged than others, like the newest member, Justice Katanji Brown Jackson, who fired away a series of questions to the AG from Missouri about whether the state had standing to challenge the law. Even conservative Justice Amy Coney Barrett questioned standing,  asking why those alleging injury weren’t plaintiffs in the case. Justices Sotomayer and Kagan also pressed the plaintiffs on both the broad language in the law and the standing problem.

Solicitor General Elizabeth B. Prelogar, whose argued the case for the Biden Department of Education, argued that the Department’s plan was exactly what Congress had in mind when it passed the 2003 law, giving the executive branch the power to … “waive or modify any statutory or regulatory provision.”  I Wiki’d Prelogar and learned some cool facts: she’s a Harvard Law grad who won Miss Idaho Teen USA of 1998!  She is fluent in Russian, and her father went to my alma mater, Antioch College in Yellow Springs, OH and oh yes, I was delighted to see that her dad served at one time as head of consumer protection for the North Carolina Attorney General.

I realize I’m not an unbiased observer, but I thought Prelogar had the better arguments, First, the law is broadly worded and gives a lot of latitude to the Executive Branch on student loan waivers. Second, the standing issue is a serious hurdle for the opponents. To challenge the loan forgiveness program, they need to show that they have suffered a specific, rather than generalized, injury that can be remedied by relief from the Court. Neither of the challengers can show direct harm.

The bottom line for the National Consumers League and the hundreds of groups that support this narrowly tailored loan forgiveness is that the $10,000- $20,000 debt for 40 million Americans can be crippling to families –the reality is that student debt prevents many young people from buying homes, starting families and getting on with their lives. We are therefore hoping against hope that the Supreme Court throws out this challenge and the student debt forgiveness proposal at last be implemented.

New research reiterates the need for consumer caution, federal protection related to marijuana companies misleading claims

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March 13, 2023

Media contact: National Consumers League – Katie Brown, katie@nclnet.org, 202-823-8442

Washington, D.C. – Data Science Solutions, LLC, in partnership with NCL, today released new research that dives into false or misleading medical claims made by several leading marijuana companies on their social media platforms. The analysis qualitatively observes how these claims are framed to appeal to consumers, determines the reach of their messaging, and identifies policy solutions to help increase state and federal regulatory and enforcement action to end false – potentially harmful – marketing.

“Consumers should understand what they’re up against when perusing social media,” said Sally Greenberg, Executive Director of the National Consumers League. “Twitter in particular may be viewed as a more trustworthy platform and licensed marijuana companies will often site reliable academic institutions or studies in a misleading way. These companies use Twitter to target consumers and declare that their products can help address, even treat, health issues from ‘pain’ to neurological diseases, even cancer. However, these claims are not backed by sound, clinical research – though the data is lacking at best, companies don’t let that stop them from trying to profit.”

The FDA, FTC, and Congress can do more to protect consumers and hold these companies accountable. The paper urges Congress to “encourage FDA and FTC to expand their enforcement against therapeutic claims made by cannabis companies and provide the necessary resources for the FDA to conduct effective oversight of marijuana-related health claims on social media platforms,” And recommends FDA begin using automated tools to monitor cannabis companies’ social media posts efficiently and effectively.

“Consumers deserve better,” said Greenberg. “These companies can and should market their products in an honest way and put consumer health over profits. Investing in thorough research so that we may better understand the true therapeutic potential of marijuana would be a win-win for all.”

To learn more about the risks of unregulated cannabis products, visit cannabiswatch.org.

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)
The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization.  Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad.  For more information, visit nclnet.org.

National Consumers League statement on Gigi Sohn’s FCC nomination withdrawal

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March 7, 2023

Media contact: National Consumers League – Katie Brown, katie@nclnet.org, 202-823-8442

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Gigi Sohn announced that she has asked President Biden to withdraw her nomination to the Federal Communications Commission.

The following statement is attributable to Sally Greenberg, NCL Chief Executive Officer:  

“We are disappointed that Gigi Sohn’s nomination to the Federal Communications Commission was derailed by entrenched industry players and their allies in Congress. Gigi is a true friend to consumers and a well respected colleague and communications lawyer with strong credentials to serve on the FCC.  She has spent her career speaking up for the most disenfranchised consumers and her confirmation would have broken the current 2-2 deadlock, which makes it hard for FCC to do its important work. There is so much work to be done on tackling the problem of the digital divide, working on behalf of rural communities who still lack access to broadband, and ensuring that every child has affordable and accessible broadband in their homes, libraries and schools. Gigi’s voice and expertise would have been so valuable on the Commission. It’s truly a loss to the country that she felt she had no choice but to withdraw her nomination. ”

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)
The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization.  Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad.  For more information, visit nclnet.org.

The National Consumers League mourns death of Judith (Judy) Heumann, disability rights activist

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March 6, 2023

Media contact: National Consumers League – Katie Brown, katie@nclnet.org, 202-823-8442

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Consumers League is deeply saddened by the death of disability rights activist, Judy Heumann.  Known as “the mother” of the disability rights movement, Judy Heumann was at the vanguard of major disability rights demonstrations, helped spearhead the passage of disability rights legislation, founded national and international disability advocacy organizations, held senior federal government positions, co-authored a memoir, and was featured in the Oscar-nominated documentary film, Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution.

National Consumer League Director of Health Policy, Robin Strongin, provided the following statement. “Judy’s fierce determination, tireless advocacy, and refusal to be defined by others, was instrumental in the development and implementation of national disability rights legislation, including Section 504, the individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Rehabilitation Act, and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.  Judy’s legacy will live on but we are saddened by the loss of this legendary champion.”

 

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)
The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization.  Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad.  For more information, visit nclnet.org.

Stop senior scams!

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Happy Consumer Protection Week! While fraud can affect anyone, regardless of age and other demographic information, Fraud.org and NCL are putting the spotlight on scams targeting older Americans.

Read more

The National Consumers League applauds Eli Lilly Decision to cap prices on insulin

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March 6, 2023

Media contact: National Consumers League – Katie Brown, katie@nclnet.org, 202-823-8442

Washington, D.C. – The National Consumers League commends the decision by drug company Eli Lilly to cut prices for insulin and cap costs insured patients pay to fill prescriptions.

“We applaud the Eli Lilly company for  taking steps to cap prices for insulin.  This action will provide much needed relief to patients suffering from diabetes who are currently facing steep annual costs for insulin, medicine that is life saving for those coping with their illness,” said NCL CEO Sally Greenberg.

The company said it will cut the list price for its most commonly prescribed insulin, Humalog, and for another insulin, Humulin, by 70% starting in October..

Lilly also said Wednesday that it will cut the price of its authorized generic version of Humalog to $25 a vial starting in May.

Lilly also is launching in April a biosimilar insulin to compete with Sanofi’s Lantus. NCL strongly supports the use of biosimilars as they introduce much needed competition and lower prices into the drug marketplace.

Lilly said people without insurance can find savings cards to receive insulin for the same amount at its InsulinAffordability.com website.

The federal government in January started applying that cap to patients with coverage through its Medicare program for people age 65 and older or those who have certain disabilities or illnesses.

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)
The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization.  Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad.  For more information, visit nclnet.org.