Prescription Drug Bill and *s threatened veto of modifications

[Skidmore]

yesterday is something I think needs to be jumped on fast and hammered away at. Is there any group addressing this yet?

[blondeatlast]

1. Medicare Enhancements for Needed Drugs Act of 2005 (Introduced in Senate)?

I assume this is the act you are referring to.

S 239 IS

http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/D?c109:2:./temp/~c1099q4wo6::

The gist of the thing:

SEC. 4. NEGOTIATING FAIR PRICES FOR MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION DRUGS.

(a) In General- Section 1860D-11 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w-111) is amended by striking subsection (i) (relating to noninterference) and by inserting the following:

`(i) Authority To Negotiate Prices With Manufacturers-

`(1) IN GENERAL- In order to ensure that beneficiaries enrolled under prescription drug plans and MA-PD plans pay the lowest possible price, the Secretary shall have authority similar to that of other Federal entities that purchase prescription drugs in bulk to negotiate contracts with manufacturers of covered part D drugs, consistent with the requirements and in furtherance of the goals of providing quality care and containing costs under this part.

[Skidmore]

2. Yeah, *s undies were in a bunch about it yesterday

and I really struck me that he was in full bully mode. He's goning to make sure he delivers to the drug companies, come hell or high water. I didn't hear any Dems say anything about it. I really feel we need to be there ahead of him and hammer him hard.

[rodeodance]

3. thanks

[blondeatlast]

4. It's currently in the Committee on Finance.

Perhaps we can brainstorm a few talking points?

Introduced by Snowe, cosponsored by:

Sen Feingold, Russell D. - 2/1/2005
Sen Feinstein, Dianne - 2/1/2005
Sen McCain, John - 2/1/2005
Sen Nelson, Bill - 2/10/2005
Sen Salazar, Ken - 2/8/2005
Sen Wyden, Ron - 2/1/2005

Some bipartisan heavy hitters there. As an Arizonan, when I write Jon Kyl (sadly, my senator), I'm gonna hit him hard with McCain's sponsorship! Here in AZ, McCain is still more popular than Bush.

When you are in a red state, you grab every handle you can get.