| Washington, D.C.- Congressman Dale E. Kildee (D-MI) today announced that he is an original cosponsor of the Democratic Prescription Drug Bill. The Democratic proposal will expand Medicare to offer a prescription drug benefit that is universal, affordable, dependable and voluntary.
“Prescription drugs have transformed the quality of life for our nation’s seniors, allowing them to live longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives,” said Kildee. “Regrettably, seniors with limited incomes are being forced to choose between paying for prescription drugs or paying for food. No one in this country should be forced to make such a decision.”
Nearly 40 million elderly and disabled Americans are currently facing a crisis because Medicare does not cover the cost of prescription drugs. As medicine has evolved, prescription drugs have become an essential part of our modern health care system. Access to reliable, safe, and affordable prescription drugs is vital to our nation’s elderly. However, the soaring cost of medication is a heavy burden for most seniors who lack basic prescription coverage. As a result, many seniors are being forced to spend a higher proportion of their resources on medications.
The Republicans introduced a plan that effectively turns its back on seniors by covering less than 25% of drug costs and leaves some seniors completely out in the cold without any coverage. Not surprisingly, the big drug companies strongly endorse the Republican plan because it will protect industry profits by allowing the drug industry to maintain its unjustifiably high prices while forcing seniors to shop for a private insurance plan.
By contrast, the Democratic prescription drug benefit plan would be voluntary and universally available to every senior regardless of income or location. The Democratic Medicare prescription drug plan makes drug coverage available to all seniors and will make Medicare stronger in the 21st Century. This plan includes a guaranteed affordable premium, continuous coverage to Medicare beneficiaries and is supported by a large majority of senior citizen organizations.
“Now is the time to implement real solutions, instead of wasting our time on incomplete and ineffective proposals,” said Kildee. “I’m joining my Democratic colleagues to ensure that all Americans have the help they need to cover their prescription medicine costs.” |
![[News from Congressman Dale Kildee]](letterhead.gif)