Our seniors simply can’t afford to pay these outrageous prescription drug prices.

That is why on Thursday Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson, a Republican from Missouri, and I joined together in a bipartisan way to introduce “The Medicare Drug and Service Coverage Act” (or “MEDS Act”) that will establish a voluntary, but guaranteed prescription drug benefit for all seniors.

Today’s Medicare was built for yesterday’s medical care.  Simply put, it has not kept pace with new medical advances and cost-effective treatments using prescription drugs.   In fact, Medicare is the only health insurance plan in America, that I know of, that does not include medicine for our seniors, yet it’s the plan that nearly every senior citizen relies on day-in and day-out to stay healthy and get well.   

Our bipartisan bill will make prescription drug coverage a part of Medicare, just like going to the doctor and the hospital are covered under Medicare.  And our bill will truly provide the meaningful savings that our seniors need by demanding the same rebates from the big drug manufacturers that the HMOs do, while still allowing seniors to choose their pharmacy and their medicines.

A lot of politicians in Washington have been talking about a prescription drug benefit.  I believe it’s time to act; it’s time for us to unite to provide prescription drug coverage for our seniors the way we’ve united in the war against terrorism.  The plan that Congresswoman Emerson and I have put forth in one that will work.  I look forward to working with my colleagues, Democrats and Republicans alike, to pass this important legislation to help seniors in Arkansas and across America.