Paula Garvey

High prescription costs are forcing New Hampshire families to make difficult decisions, and I’ve experienced it firsthand. This winter has been especially challenging for me due to my asthma. After several visits to my doctor, it was recommended that I switch to a different inhaler. Since I have insurance, I didn't think much about changing prescriptions. However, when I went to pick it up at the pharmacy, I was shocked to learn that the new inhaler would cost $630 per month. I suddenly found myself having to decide whether the benefits of the medication were worth such a high cost. Seeing my reaction, my pharmacist stepped in and helped me explore ways to reduce the expense. Thankfully, with her guidance, we found a coupon that brought the monthly cost down to something I could afford. I'm now doing much better on the new inhaler, but it's hard not to think that without her help, I likely wouldn't have been able to access this medication at all. No one should have to rely on luck to afford the medication their doctor prescribed. That's why I'm urging New Hampshire State Representatives to support SB 647, a bipartisan bill that would create a free prescription drug discount card for all New Hampshire residents that’s not for profit and puts our privacy first. No Granite Stater should have to choose between breathing and paying the bills. Thank-you, Paula Garvey, Amherst.