Fw: Urgent Action Needed: Rx Bill on Senate Floor This Week andNext

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Martha Murdock, Director

National Silicone Implant Foundation | Dallas Headquarters

" Supporting Survivors of Medical Implant Devices "

4416 Willow Lane

Dallas, TX 75244-7537

----- Original Message -----

From: " Congress Watchdog " <CONGRESSWATCHDOG@...>

Sent: Thursday, July 18, 2002 2:48 PM

Subject: Urgent Action Needed: Rx Bill on Senate Floor This Week andNext

Urge Your Senator to Oppose Legislation Offering Seniors and the Disabled

Privatized Drug Coverage Instead of a Medicare Drug Benefit

The Senate began to debate prescription drug legislation this week. The

base bill, which is strongly opposed by the brand-name drug industry, would

make it easier for consumers to get access to lower priced generics - saving

billions of dollars.

Yesterday, the Senate amended the legislation to allow pharmacists to import

drugs sold at much lower prices. This is a victory for consumers.

Unfortunately, the Senate also agreed to language that would weaken the

amendment by allowing the Secretary of HHS to suspend implementation of the

law.

As early as this afternoon the Senate is expected to begin considering

amendments to provide some form of Medicare prescription drug coverage. Such

proposals may be voted on as early as next Tuesday. The stakes in this

debate are extremely high. Democrats probably cannot get majority support

for their bill (let alone get the 60 votes needed to overcome a Republican

filibuster). Senate Republicans are supporting the so-called " tripartisan "

proposal, which is similar to the flawed House-passed bill. Under the House

bill, instead of creating a drug benefit under Medicare, private insurers

and HMOs would be subsidized to offer a drug benefit.

There is a serious risk that Democratic senators who ordinarily would not

support this privatization legislation will feel the need to compromise and

support such a flawed plan. It is urgent that you call your Senators and

urge them to oppose the " tripartisan " bill or any other proposal that does

not create a drug benefit under Medicare.

Please call your Senators today. The Senate switchboard number is (202)

224-3121, they will connect you to your Senators office. If you prefer, you

can also call one of their local offices in your home state. You will

likely talk to the receptionist, or go to voice mail. Make sure you leave

your name and phone number, make sure you let them know you are a

constituent, then leave your message to oppose the " tripartisan " drug

proposal and any other measures to privatize Medicare coverage, and to vote

for a prescription drug benefit within Medicare.

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