Senate Democrats Offer Seniors Much-Needed Relief from Skyrocketing Prescription Drug Costs

Ron Pollack, executive director of Families USA, released the following statement regarding the prescription drug bill introduced by Senate Democrats today:

"America's seniors will be pleased to know that the Senate leadership is introducing a prescription drug bill in the Medicare program. This will make sure that-unlike the proposal offered by House Republicans-a good, defined, and guaranteed benefit will be available to seniors and people with disabilities, irrespective of where they live or whether an insurance company is willing to offer coverage.

"Seniors will also find that this bill effectively deals with skyrocketing drug costs. The bill achieves this by providing meaningful incentives for using generic drugs, which are just as effective as brand-name drugs but are much cheaper. By promoting such cost-effective alternatives, the bill enables seniors and people with disabilities to obtain affordable medicines."

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Families USA is the national organization for health care consumers. It is nonprofit and nonpartisan and advocates for high-quality, affordable health care for all Americans.

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