Biden cites Va. 13-year-old Joshua Davis in SOTU argument against prescription drug prices
WASHINGTON (7News) — Among the topics covered during Tuesday's State of the Union address, President Biden spoke on the need to lower prescription drug prices and make them more affordable for the average American.
His argument referenced 13-year-old Virginia boy Joshua Davis, who suffers from Type 1 Diabetes. Biden spoke to the Davis family's need for regular insulin, and what it costs them, just to keep their son alive.
"Cut the cost of prescription drugs. Just look at insulin, one in ten Americans has diabetes," Biden said. "In Virginia, I met a 13-year-old boy named Joshua Davis. He and his Dad both have Type 1 Diabetes, which means they need insulin every day. Insulin costs about $10 a vial to make. But drug companies charge families like Joshua and his Dad up to 30 times more."
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Biden spoke to the toll high drug prices can take on a family's well-being.
"I spoke with Joshua’s mom -- Imagine what it’s like to look at your child who needs insulin and have no idea how you’re going to pay for it. What it does to your dignity, your ability to look your child in the eye, to be the parent you expect to be."
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Then came the surprise of this portion of the speech, where Biden pointed to Davis, who was attending the address and wished him a happy birthday.
"Joshua is here with us tonight. Yesterday was his birthday. Happy birthday, buddy," Biden said. "For Joshua, and for the 200,000 other young people with Type 1 Diabetes, let’s cap the cost of insulin at $35 a month so everyone can afford it. Drug companies will still do very well. And while we’re at it, let Medicare negotiate lower prices for prescription drugs, like the VA already does."
