| WASHINGTON, D.C. – With the Medicare prescription drug benefit scheduled to begin in just two weeks, House Democrats filed a discharge petition demanding a vote on U.S. Congressman Marion Berry's (D-AR) Medicare Prescription Drug Savings and Choice Act of 2005. The measure, which is identical to a resolution passed by delegates of the White House Conference on Aging earlier this week, would create a Medicare-administered prescription drug plan and require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate for lower prices.
"I am completely amazed that this government is sticking America's seniors with a confusing benefit and turning its back when the situation gets out of control," said Congressman Berry. "This benefit is so complicated even the best doctors cannot figure out what plan to recommend. Congress needs to act immediately before our seniors spend the holidays pouring over complicated Medicare pamphlets."
After a month of enrollment, seniors across America are growing increasingly frustrated with the new Medicare prescription drug benefit. They are being inundated by marketers pushing private plans and face a shortage of independent counselors to guide them through the maze of ever-changing options. Even the President's own White House Conference on Aging expressed frustration this week by voting overwhelmingly in favor of a resolution that would establish a Medicare-administered drug benefit with negotiated prices.
House Democrats, key consumer groups, and a number of senior advocacy organizations are all calling on Congress to pass Berry's reform legislation to give seniors relief from the overwhelming confusion. His legislation would not only enable seniors to enroll in a Medicare-administered plan they trust, but would also save billions of dollars in prescription drug costs by requiring the Secretary to negotiate with private companies on behalf of beneficiaries. The Veterans Administration has used price negotiation since 1992 to provide veterans with over 40% savings on their prescription drugs.
"We have let the drug companies rob us blind by passing Medicare legislation that has almost doubled in cost and does virtually nothing to lower prescription drug prices," said Congressman Berry. "It's about time our leadership starts listening to America's seniors and provide a real benefit that puts their interests above drug and insurance company profits.”
In addition to reforming the Medicare prescription drug benefit, Congressman Berry is also working with his colleagues to extend the enrollment period to the end of 2006 and give seniors the opportunity to change plans once without penalty. This will give seniors more time to study their options and make a more informed decision based on their needs. |
