[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 136 (Friday, October 2, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1898-E1899]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  THE HIGH COST OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 1, 1998

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the ``Prescription 
Drug Fairness for Seniors Act of 1998.'' It is a cruel fact that 
America's senior citizens are the subject of widespread price 
discrimination. While the federal government and large HMOs pay little, 
our seniors pay twice as much for their prescription drugs.

[[Page E1899]]

  This price discrimination has a devastating effect on older 
Americans. For those on a fixed income, it is certainly not easy to 
meet all of their financial obligations. These high prices have forced 
many of our senior citizens to choose between buying food or paying for 
the medications they desperately need. This is a choice which I and 
every American should view as unacceptable.
  Mr. Speaker, a recent Congressional study showed that our senior 
citizens pay on average 106% higher than those paid by ``preferred 
customers.'' Ticlid, a drug prescribed for stroke victims, cost seniors 
two and a half times more than it does drug companies' most-favored 
customers. Mr. Speaker, this form of discrimination must end.
  The Prescription Drug Fairness for Seniors Act will protect senior 
citizens from drug price discrimination and make prescription drugs 
available to Medicare beneficiaries at substantially reduced prices. 
This legislation will effectively reduce drug prices for seniors by 
over 40%.
  The key provision of this bill will provide Medicare beneficiaries 
with a drug benefit card. This card will allow our seniors to purchase 
prescription drugs at significantly reduced prices. This bill will 
allow pharmacies to purchase drugs for Medicare beneficiaries at lower 
prices. Pharmacies that enter into agreements with the Department of 
Health and Human Services will be able to purchase prescription drugs 
for Medicare beneficiaries at the same low prices available to federal 
agencies under the Federal Supply Schedule. This bill provides the 
framework for further reductions in prices by requiring Congressional 
oversight of the effectiveness of the legislation. This will ensure 
that Congress will continue to work for the health of our seniors.
  Mr. Speaker, our seniors should not have to choose between food and 
the prescription drugs they need. No member of this body has to make 
that choice and our seniors should not either. I urge the members of 
this body to support our seniors by voting for the Prescription Drug 
Fairness Act