Second Opinions. Republicans change their minds about prescription drugs.

NRO ^ | September 12, 2003, 11:25 a.m. | Ramesh Ponnuru

[.cnI redruM]

During the August recess, congressional Republicans heard plenty from constituents about the prescription-drug bill — all of it bad. Liberals and the AARP have ginned up opposition to the bill as too stingy. Conservatives say it costs too much. And everyone worries that the bill will give many seniors worse coverage than they already have.

The administration has long recognized this last point, but argued that under current trends people were going to lose their drug coverage anyway. But this response never made much political sense. Put yourself in the place of a congressman. Your constituents are going to lose their drug coverage no matter what you do. Would you rather they blame their health plan, or you? Congressmen may not know much about health care, but that question they can answer.

So the probability that the bill will fall apart is going up.

[.cnI redruM]

I'd love to see the Prescription Drug Panderation Act die. Once Frist chickened out to Kennedy on means testing the benefit, this one became a boondoggle. THe House is doing our country a big favor.

[RobFromGa]

If Bush could side-step this unnecessary Prescription Drug entitlement, it would make the US future a whole lot brighter. I hope it goes down in flames, not many people need this plan.

[Peach]

This is the BEST news I've heard in days. I hope it does not pass as it will definitely make things worse.

Once again, those who planned for their future were going to pay for those who did not.

[putupon]

BUMP for the death of Dubya's HillaryCare Lite Socialized Medication plan.

Lenin is dead, Jim.

[APRPEH]

Werent all the demo midgets railing about the deficit but they all want to double and triple the spending on everything including pres. drugs? dennis the menance repeated his call for clintoncare/socialized medicine.. but they are all disgusted with GWB's war deficit... billions for socialized medicine not one cent for defense

[.cnI redruM]

Actually, medicine comprises 15% of the US economy. That economy handles $10 tril/yr. Just spending billions is a mere waystation for Sen. Ahab Kennedy, Admiral of The Chappaquiddick Bay Auto Fleet. Why again can't we means-test a program that is justified as alms to the poor?

[RJCogburn]

We are well aware that it's difficult to shrink the government or even to restrain its growth, having advocated doing so without much success for 50 years. But the president could try a little harder.

If the administration ignores the restiveness in its base — or responds merely by sending emissaries to reassure conservative leaders — that restiveness will only increase.

I won't be navigating my way over broken glass this time around.

[princess leah]

NO bill? Less Government interference - yes, now that's a good idea!

[Republic If You Can Keep It]

So the probability that the bill will fall apart is going up.

Up, up & away!

[J Jay]

Congress should let the drug bill die.

They could simply solve the drug problem by rescending the present law which allows only drug manufacturers to import drugs.

American seniors could then buy Canadian drugs at half price.

[lodwick]

We can hope...

Thank you for the information.

[Pan_Yans Wife]

There is always the option of passing a stripped-down bill that covers only seniors with particularly acute needs.

I am so conflicted on this issue. To begin with, I do not want my taxes to rise, or the future debt that my children will be responsible for to increase.

On the other hand, having two family members who have serious medical conditions and expensive drugs to take, I wonder what options those on a fixed income have.

Will there ever be a time when prescription prices decrease?

[NonValueAdded]

Will there ever be a time when prescription prices decrease?

Yes, when the patent is up and generics are available. Just look at what happened with Prilosec.

As to the needs of your family members, well, why aren't you handling it? But you are perfectly willing to tell strangers they have to. (I don't mean you specifically, just generalizing based on your post. However, if the shoe fits ...) That is like AlGore complaining about the cost of his mom's medicine. Jeez, Al, it isn't like you have to pay for your own healthcare.

[Pan_Yans Wife]

MY family can afford it. But, I do feel badly for those who are on fixed incomes.

And, I did admit that I am conflicted on the issue. I firmly believe that by the time my children retire there will not be any Soc. Security, and Medicare will be only available for the extremely poor people in America.

[waRNmother.armyboots]

You need to know that most pharmaceutical companies have means tested programs for free or small copay for drugs. I worked in a clinic where most of my patients were on medicare and social security. The ones who truly could not pay for their medications were willing to give us the information to complete the forms (income, # in household) and received medications free. Others complained about the cost of their medication as they were preparing to leave on their cruise or trip to Europe or Asia or as they prepared to travel the US. I do not believe the taxpayers should be paying for the medications for these people. There are a lot of good discount or free medication programs out there, but people have to be willing to complete the forms. I had patients who would take sample medication from me (in fact always asked for sample medications), but refused to complete the forms for free medications. They did not want charity!!! Exactly what did they think the sample medications were!!!

[Pan_Yans Wife]

Exactly what did they think the sample medications were!!!

Good point, and thank you for the information. As I said before, my family can manage, but others really need to know this information. Healthcare is expensive, and any help that they can find is well worth it.

[.cnI redruM]

I could change my opinion if I saw bipartisan support behind a means-tested plan...