[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 18 (Wednesday, February 27, 2002)]
[House]
[Page H566]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    VETERANS COPAY FOR PRESCRIPTIONS

  (Mr. STRICKLAND asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. STRICKLAND. Mr. Speaker, we oftentimes speak glowingly in here of 
our respect for our military personnel and of our appreciation for what 
our veterans have done for us, but oftentimes our words are 
inconsistent with our behavior.
  Many in this Chamber do not realize that just a few weeks ago we 
increased the copayment for prescription drugs that veterans must pay 
for these needed medications from $2 to $7 a prescription. Many 
veterans receive over 10 prescriptions a month. Ten times $7 is $70 a 
month. Many get a 3-month supply at one time. That is a cost of $210.
  I have introduced H.R. 2820, which will return the copay from $7 back 
to $2 and will freeze it at that level for 5 years. This is the least 
we can do for those who have served our country so nobly.

                          ____________________