Date: Fri 12-Feb-1999

Publication: Bee

Author: KAAREN

Quick Words:

Maloney-prescription-seniors

Full Text:

Maloney Files Drug Bill

WASHINGTON -- Congressman James Maloney of Connecticut's Fifth District filed

legislation on February 10 as an original co-sponsor of a bill called the

Prescription Drug Fairness for Seniors Act.

If enacted, the legislation would allow seniors on Medicare to buy their

prescription drugs at the same rate charged to the General Services

Administration, the purchasing arm of the federal government, an at estimated

savings of 40 to 60 percent.

A study sponsored by Rep Maloney last year showed that seniors in the Fifth

District who buy their own prescription drugs were forced to pay nearly twice

as much for their drugs as the drug manufacturers' most-favored customers,

including the federal government and large health maintenance organizations.

"Our seniors should not be forced to pay exorbitant costs for the prescription

drugs they need," Rep Maloney said. "It is unconscionable that seniors -- many

of whom live on a fixed income -- are forced to pay far more for prescription

drugs than other buyers. As a result, they are forced to make wrenching

choices between paying for life-saving prescription drugs or paying for other

critical needs such as food and heat."