The enactment of Nanci Pelosi’s first hundred hours has begun, and house democrats are searching for ways to fulfill her goal of lowering the price of prescription medication for seniors using Medicare.
Next week democrats will try to use huge purchasing power of the millions of people currently enrolled in Medicare to drive a better bargain with pharmaceutical companies. According to the Houston Chronicle, “This is not something that will require a rocket scientist to address," said Dingell, chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. He said he did not expect the HHS secretary to negotiate the prices of all medicine used by seniors, but to prioritize efforts on those drugs that are most important.”
The bill that will potentially lower the cost of healthcare for seniors will be coming up to vote Friday. The bill is expected to pass through the house with ease due to the recently acquired majority. If passed through the house, the bill will still have a rough time in the Senate. Assuming all democrats vote for it, 9 Republicans would have to cross over and vote for the bill in order for it to receive the 60 votes necessary for the bill to be taken to a public vote.
The Houston Chronicle states, “Under the current program, seniors enroll in private plans administered by insurers. They usually pay a monthly premium and pay for a portion of their medicine. The federal government also subsidizes the coverage, with extra help going for coverage provided the poor. The plans themselves determine which medicines they will cover and how much they will pay.”
"What seniors want to know is that they're saving money, that they have choice, and that they have convenience," Merritt said. "If direct negotiation can do all that, then it's a different story, but there's a burden of proof, a hurdle they have to jump in showing that's the case."
Visit this Consumer Advocacy website for more information on ordering from a
Mexican pharmacy.
