Making Noise, Making a Difference

Indiana activist Jack Spindler pushes for reform on prescription drug prices.

Photo by Cathie Rowand/The Journal Gazette

"Why are drug prices in Canada approximately half of the American cost?" Jack Spindler thundered in an op-ed published in the Fort Wayne News-Sentinel. "Because a Canadian health ministry board negotiates prices with the manufacturing companies. U.S. citizens regularly pay double the price and thereby subsidize the populations of other countries."

Indiana member Spindler, former president of the Fort Wayne Education Association, writes and speaks out persuasively and often. As a result, he's pulling in much-needed support for seniors as they battle outrageous prices for prescription drugs.

Spindler wrote the op-ed after participating in a bus trip from Indiana to Windsor, Ontario, to purchase prescription drugs. The trip was sponsored by the United Auto Workers and United Senior Action of Indiana. "Because of the cost of my expenses for prescription drugs, I wanted to see the setup firsthand, talk to the doctors, and make sure it was a good operation all around."

Throughout the two-day trip, Spindler took copious notes. When he returned, he drafted an 800-word piece describing the group's experiences and why Canadians were able to purchase drugs for a significant savings. It was published with the headline, "Canada shows U.S. a prescription solution," and Spindler has been fielding phone calls ever since from reporters and individuals seeking more information on how to bring down prescription drug costs.

A few months later, Spindler landed in the newspapers again--this time as a source for a local columnist's piece on ways to cut drug costs. The story included quotes from Spindler and his photo (see above).

Although not everyone is comfortable taking a highly public stance, Spindler notes that your local media are a great avenue for bringing attention--and action--to issues important to seniors. If you're unsure about a high profile, start by writing a letter to the editor. "The letters section is one of the most widely read," says Spindler. "Keep your letter short: state your position, provide one or two examples, and give a conclusion." Once your confidence is up, call or visit a local columnist or editor to suggest a news tip or issue to cover.

Spindler's tenure as a local leader, which called upon him to speak regularly to the media as well as interview candidates for public office, helped build his comfort with speaking out. "I'm confident because of my Association experience," he says. "As you get more comfortable speaking out, it becomes easier."

Spindler has cut his annual drug costs in about half and now uses a Canadian mail-order firm to supply his medications. But he'll continue pressing for across-the-board price cuts. "We need to have negotiated fair drug prices for us all," he says.

--John O'Neil

For More

For background on prescription drug pricing and ideas for cutting costs, contact:

Families USA
202-628-3030
www.familiesusa.org

Medicare Rights Center
212-869-3850
www.medicarerights.org

Alliance for Retired Americans
202-974-8222
www.retiredamericans.org