Wednesday, April 25, 2007

MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION DRUG PRICE NEGOTIATION ACT OF 2007

Remember a few years back when the Medicare part D prescription drug bill was passed. That was the bill that the Bush administration "misunderestimated" the costs. It was the 500 page bill that was presented the day before the vote was to be taken. You remember, the vote that took place at 3 AM and was held open for 3 hours. Language in the bill specifically prevented the government from negotiating drug prices with the drug companies.

Congress is now trying to remedy that prohibition against negotiating for lower prices. Can you believe that a large number of congress members are opposed to allowing the government to negotiate for lower prices? That would be interfering with "bidness". Bush has promised to veto the price negotiation act if the Republicans can't prevent the bill from reaching him. The bill has passed the House, but it's having a bit of a problem reaching the floor in the Senate.

BTW, you can track the way your congress member votes on any legislation here.

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