[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 57 (Thursday, May 11, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E801]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  ENCOURAGING ALL ELIGIBLE MEDICARE BENEFICIARIES TO REVIEW AVAILABLE 
OPTIONS TO DETERMINE WHETHER ENROLLMENT IN A MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION DRUG 
       PLAN BEST MEETS THEIR NEEDS FOR PRESCRIPTION DRUG COVERAGE

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                               speech of

                            HON. SAM JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 10, 2006

  Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, there are millions of 
Americans benefiting from the new Part D Drug Program.
  Many people overlook that fact, though. I'm pretty tired of hearing 
the same old story from nay-sayers . . . that people could get their 
drugs cheaper, ``If only the Government had the ability to negotiate 
lower prices.''
  I'll tell you what--That's just not true. People love to tout the 
V.A. system as an example of successful government negotiation.
  But did you know that only 13 of the top 33 prescribed drugs for 
seniors are on the V.A. formulary?
  Heck, a negotiated price doesn't help you much if you can't get the 
drug you need.
  For years, P.B.M.'s have been negotiating prices for millions of 
Americans--and now they are getting the job done for medicare 
beneficiaries.
  Some plans are able to offer prices lower than Internet wholesalers, 
lower than Canadian prices.
  The beneficiaries, the States, and the taxpayers are all benefiting 
from these lower prices.
  I encourage a yes vote on the resolution and thank the gentlelady 
from Connecticut for her tireless--and persistent--efforts on this 
issue.

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