Friday, October 6, 2006
CONTACT: Barry E. Piatt
or Brenden Timpe
PHONE: 202-224-2551
DORGAN SCORES VICTORY FOR MILITARY PERSONNEL ON PRESCRIPTION DRUGS
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) --- U.S. Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND) said Friday U.S. military personnel, retirees and their families will continue to be able to purchase discounted prescription medicines at their local pharmacies – on the base or off -- rather than being forced to order most of their medicines from distant mail-order firms.
Dorgan last week pushed members of a House-Senate conference committee to roll back language in the Department of Defense Authorization bill that would have blocked local pharmacy access and required mail order purchases instead.
Although mail order purchases can sometimes cost less than a purchase at a pharmacy, consumers lose the important role of a local pharmacist who can talk to patients about the use of the drugs and highlight any drug interaction problems. “It makes sense to try to save money, but not at the expense of face to face access with a local pharmacist,” Dorgan said.
He had urged the conference committee drop the provision requiring mail orders and clarified that the Department of Defense has the authority to extend the rebate to local pharmacies. The House and Senate agreed, sending the legislation to the President shortly before Congress adjourned for the elections.
“This was the right decision, for those who are serving, or who have served, our country in the military and for taxpayers,” Dorgan said.
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