Lowering Prescription Drug Costs
Posted by Michael Link on May 4, 2007 at 05:40 PM
Chalk up one more victory for America, as the Senate voted 63-28 on an amendment to allow lower-priced prescription drugs to be imported from Canada. While the president's advisors are recommending a veto, the bill still stands a shot at passage.
From the AP:
The amendment that survived the test vote would permit broader imports of prescription drugs from Canada and elsewhere, where certain medicines can cost less than two-thirds what they do in the United States. Backers hope the imports will drive down prices at home.
"The fact is, we are paying the highest prices for brand-name prescription drugs in the world and that's not fair," said Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., the amendment's sponsor. "Let's make the global economy work for everybody."
By lowering costs, the bill would help ensure that seniors didn't have to choose between taking their prescriptions and their next meal. The legislation has a tremendous level of support of Americans over 50. In one poll conducted by AARP, the 79% backed re-importation and only 9% was against it. In the same survey, 86% wanted Congress "to give top or high priority" to tackling the rising costs of prescription drugs.
If Bush is thinking "What do I care? My approval rating can't get any worse!" then he might just learn he's wrong.
Comments (4) «
Good work Byron Dorgan!
Now, the chief vetoer Bush, the GOP obstructionists will once again attempt to defeat the will of the people. The GOP must be driven out for good.
Can't wait to see George Clooney's film which will be a dark comedy about a documentary called Our Brand is Crisis. It is about the role that Carville and other consultants play in the elections in other countries. There's a trailer here and background info.
http://journals.democraticunderground.com/madfloridian/1306
And I say good for our Democrats for doing something about the cost of drugs.
This gouging of our seniors is typical repub behavior.Everyone for themselves is their motto. At least Democrats approach is that we are all connected and let`s go life with some dignity. Republicans are devisive in their approach and love to make the select few extraordinarily rich no matter how demeaning it is to the majority.
It's not just the seniors who are getting gouged. It's working families with kids with chronic health problems and/or disabilities as well.
It's adults with chronic health and/or disabilities problems.
They have problems like birth defects, TypeI diabetes, treatable mental problems, MD, MS, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV, asthma, ALS, disabilities due to accidents, and various cancers, among many other chronic problems. Problems that, if treated, can allow the person to live a reasonable full life.
Many families and adults who are lucky enough to have medical insurance are locked into jobs because they cannot get "pre-existing" problems covered by their new employer's company insurance (some insurance carriers require 6 months or more before a problem is identified or they will consider it to be "pre-existing"), or many times there are there are ceilings on the costs of treatments.
Many families cannot get medical insurance or help for the family members who need the most help.
By focusing on seniors, the Republicans and the drug companies are trying to divide the groups and keep the total problems from being discussed.
We need health care support for Americans of ALL ages who need continuing medical care.
The discussion on seniors is just the tip of the iceberg.
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