Anne LaForce

As a retired nurse and concerned New Hampshire citizen, I would like to submit testimony on behalf of myself in support of SB647. After decades caring for patients across our state, I’ve seen firsthand how critical affordable prescription drugs are to keeping people healthy and independent. Unfortunately, too many New Hampshire residents still struggle to afford the medications they rely on. Many people have told me they delay filling prescriptions or try to stretch their medications because of cost. The data reflect what I’ve witnessed for years: more than half of Granite Staters worry about affording their prescriptions and one in four has had to skip doses, cut pills in half, or leave needed medications at the pharmacy counter. As a nurse, I can tell you that these choices are not just heartbreaking-they can be dangerous. No one should ever have to choose between taking a medication exactly as prescribed and paying for groceries, rent or utilities. That’s why I strongly support SB647, which would allow New Hampshire to create a free prescription drug discount card program. This program would provide significant savings on commonly used medications and would be available to all residents, regardless of age or income. Just as important, it protects consumers by ensuring no personal data is sold. This is a practical, common sense step forward. By reducing prescription drug costs, we help Granite Staters stay healthier, avoid costly medical complications, and keep more money in their pockets. For these reasons I respectfully urge you to support and pass SB647. Thank you.