| WASHINGTON,
D.C. – U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) today delivered letters
from her constituents to Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-IL). Schakowsky’s
constituents called on the Speaker to allow a vote on a real prescription
drug benefit under Medicare before Congress adjourns.
Schakowsky
was joined by senior citizens from across the country and her Democratic
colleagues. They delivered thousands of letters, receipts, and empty
pill bottles sent to Washington by seniors being gouged by drug companies.
“In
the next two weeks we must deliver to our seniors a prescription drug benefit
under Medicare that is universal, affordable, and voluntary. With
time running out, let us work to give all seniors real prescription drug
coverage,” Schakowsky said.
According
to Families USA, per person drug expenses for the elderly have grown 116%
since 1992, and costs are likely to climb another 165% in the next decade.
Schakowsky
is supporting a plan that would allow seniors on Medicare to choose a prescription
drug benefit in addition to their current plan. Under the plan, Medicare
will pay 50% of all drug costs up to $5,000, and 100% of all out-of-pocket
expenses over $4,000. Premiums for this option will start at $26,
rising to $51 once all benefits are fully phased in. The Republican
leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives has not yet allowed a vote
on the plan to offer a prescription drug benefit under Medicare. |
