[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 133 (Monday, October 23, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1882]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HIGH COST OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

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                          HON. DEBBIE STABENOW

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 23, 2000

  Ms. STABENOW. Mr. Speaker, for the past six months, I have been 
reading letters on the floor of the House of Representatives from 
senior citizens from all over the State of Michigan.
  These seniors have shared their stories with me about the high cost 
of prescription drugs. They all have one thing in common: these seniors 
rely solely on Medicare for their health insurance, so they do not have 
any prescription drug benefit.
  They must pay for their prescription drugs themselves, and with the 
high prices, they often are forced to make the decision between buying 
the prescription drugs they need or buying food or heating their homes.
  We must enact a voluntary, Medicare prescription drug benefit that 
will provide real help for these seniors.
  This week, I will read a letter from a senior in Lansing, MI, who 
asked that she remain anonymous.

                           Text of the letter

       It seems every time I see a doctor, I am given a new 
     prescription. I now take six a day. They cost close to $200 a 
     month. I also take six non-prescription drugs a day.
       We really need some help. It is very hard for a retired 
     senior on a fixed income.
       I sometimes skip a pill to make them last a little longer.

  In these economic good times, it is a national tragedy that seniors 
are putting their health at risk and skipping the medications they need 
because they cannot afford them.
  The 106th Congress will soon adjourn. Our days to enact prescription 
drug reform are numbered.
  I support the Democratic plan that will provide a voluntary, real 
Medicare prescription drug benefit.

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