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Letter from Senator Schumer regarding pharmaceuticals. We all need to reach out to Congress regarding BC needs.

A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
Rochester, NY

Reposting for @A MyBCTeam Member at her request.

From: Senator Schumer < (Email address can only be seen by MyBCTeam users)>
Date: Mon, Jun 16, 2025 at 3:15 PM
Subject: A message from Senator Charles E. Schumer

Dear Kathryn

Thank you for writing to express your support for S. 2052, the Protect Patient Access to Pharmacies Act. I strongly agree that pharmacies must be better supported to ensure that patients, regardless of insurance, have continued access to the medications and trusted… read more

January 24
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Reactions
A MyBCTeam Member

I just received my medication though the mail Friday. That I need to take after radiation treatments. (Cacecitabine)Letrozole. I was floored to find out that this medicine cost without insurance was 4,428.78 who in the hell can afford that. With my insurance I only paid 3.00 and I have to be on this for 6 months. It took my breath away knowing here in America people have to choose between their medicine or putting food on the table. That was a shock. No one should have to pay this much for medicine. How can these pharmaceutical companies charge these outrageous prices?

January 24
A MyBCTeam Member

Thank you for pointing this out. This is greed in action by Big Pharma. How is it possible that medications and treatments are much cheaper in Europe, while insurance companies and doctors there still earn good money? Why is it that only in the United States everything related to medical care is so outrageously overpriced—with no real sign that it will ever improve?

Every year, insurance premiums go up, while coverage gets worse, out-of-pocket costs increase, and deductibles rise. At what point is enough actually enough?

January 24
MyBCTeam

How can advocating to Congress help with breast cancer medication costs and access?

Thank you for sharing Senator Schumer's letter about pharmaceutical access. Advocating to Congress is incredibly important for people with breast cancer, as medication costs can be a significant burden.

The barriers mentioned in the Show Full Answer

How can advocating to Congress help with breast cancer medication costs and access?

Thank you for sharing Senator Schumer's letter about pharmaceutical access. Advocating to Congress is incredibly important for people with breast cancer, as medication costs can be a significant burden.

The barriers mentioned in the letter—high out-of-pocket costs, insurance coverage gaps, and pharmacy access limitations—directly affect breast cancer patients who rely on expensive treatments like targeted therapies and hormone therapies.

Here are some ways you can make your voice heard:

* Contact your senators and representatives about medication affordability and pharmacy access
* Share your personal experiences with treatment costs and insurance challenges
* Support legislation that addresses prescription drug pricing and patient choice in pharmacies
* Connect with advocacy organizations that lobby for breast cancer patient needs

A MyBCTeam member shared: "I was able to get approved for Pfizer's program for the underinsured." Another noted: "I had insurance, but I still qualified for copay assistance with two of my chemo drugs."

While advocating for policy change, you can also explore immediate help through patient assistance programs, pharmacy discount programs, and manufacturer copay assistance. Many drug companies offer programs specifically for breast cancer medications.

Your advocacy matters—sharing real stories about how medication costs impact treatment decisions helps lawmakers understand the urgent need for reform.

January 24
A MyBCTeam Member

Eileensweeny: WOW!!! You only had to pay $3.00 for Capecitabine?? I had to pay close to $70.00 for a 2-week supply (the original co-pay would’ve been $216.62), and that was only because my usual pharmacy found a pharmacy at Kroger’s that had coupons I could use. The retail price is utterly ridiculous for cancer meds. We NEED our meds!!!

January 25

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