[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 117 (Tuesday, September 17, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1582-E1583]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     PRESCRIPTION DRUGS FOR SENIORS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 17, 2002

  Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of millions of 
seniors across our nation who are forced to choose between buying their 
food, paying their rent, or purchasing their medicine. For too many 
seniors, this is truly a life or death situation that none of them 
should have to face.
  Unfortunately, this Congress is just weeks away from adjourning for 
the session and we are still no closer to enacting a Medicare 
prescription drug benefit.
  Over two months ago, we had an opportunity to debate and vote on a 
bill that would provide a meaningful prescription drug benefit under 
the Medicare program. The ``Medicare Rx Drug Benefit and Discount Act 
(H.R. 5019) would add a new ``Part D'' to the Medicare program with 
voluntary prescription drug coverage for any senior that chooses to 
enroll. Participating seniors would pay a set $25 per month premium and 
a $100 a year deductible. In return, Medicare would cover 80% of all 
drug costs up to $2,000 a year. Once a senior reached the $2,000 out-
of-pocket limit, Medicare would then pay for all drug costs beyond that 
point.
  The House leadership refused to allow this bill on the floor. 
Instead, in the dead of night, while our nation's seniors were fast 
asleep, a majority in the House passed a bill that might as well have 
been written by the pharmaceutical industry. No substitute was allowed 
and no amendments could be offered. There was nothing even remotely 
bipartisan about that evening.
  The bill that passed at 2:30 a.m. on June 28 does not establish a 
prescription drug plan under Medicare. Instead, it relies on private 
insurers who are free to design their own plans, charge their own 
prices, decide which drugs to cover, and tell our seniors what 
pharmacies they may use. It does nothing to bring down rising drug 
costs nor does it address the issue of reimportation. Most importantly, 
the House leadership knows this bill has no chance of passing the 
Senate. It was a political gesture, not a policy priority.
  Where does this leave our nations seniors? They are still being 
forced to choose between food, shelter, and their medicine. They are 
still paying exorbitant prices for the same medications that are 
available in Canada and overseas for a fraction of the cost. They are 
still waiting for this House to act in a responsible manner.
  My House colleagues on both sides of the aisle, we still have time--
it is not too late. Let's work together in a bipartisan manner to meet 
our parties' respective promises to the American people and provide 
meaningful prescription drug benefits. Together we can bring hope and 
relief to our nation's seniors and pass a real Medicare prescription 
drug plan before this Congress adjourns.

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