| WASHINGTON,
D.C. – Following the release of a report showing that older women are greatly
burdened by the high cost of prescription drugs, U.S. Representative Jan
Schakowsky (D-IL) today joined the Older Women’s League (OWL) in calling
for an affordable Medicare drug benefit. The report entitled “Prescription
for Change: Why Women Need a Medicare Drug Benefit” was prepared by OWL
and released at a news conference attended by Schakowsky and other members
of the Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues.
“Millions
of women over the age of 65 cannot lead healthy and productive lives because
of the high cost of their prescription drugs. In addition to living with
the physical pain, imagine the psychological strain an older woman must
endure knowing that she cannot afford a prescription that would help ease
her suffering and improve her quality of life. This is the sad reality
that millions of older women face everyday,” Schakowsky said.
“I
applaud OWL for putting together this comprehensive report. It clearly
demonstrates that older women, and all Medicare recipients, are entitled
to a Medicare drug benefit that is universal, affordable, and lowers out
of pocket expenses,” Schakowsky added.
Among
the most significant findings of the report was that women are disproportionately
impacted by the high cost of prescription drugs as compared to men.
The mean retirement income for women over the age of 65 was $14,820 compared
to men at more than $26,000. However, women on average pay $430 a
year for prescription drugs as compared to men who pay $380. In addition,
women make up 58% of beneficiaries who pay more than $500 a year in out
of pocket drug costs.
In
addition, more than half of women over the age of 65 have a yearly income
of less than $10,000 and three out of four have incomes less than $15,000.
“At
a time of budget surpluses and when we have proof that drug companies are
price- gouging seniors, we can certainly make sure that all Medicare beneficiaries
have access to affordable prescription drugs. No one should be left behind,”
Schakowsky said. |
