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MEDIA ADVISORY, Tuesday, February 6, 2007
CONTACT: Yoni Cohen, (202) 225-3202
THE PRESIDENT ENDORSES GOVERNMENT NEGOTIATION FOR LOWER PRESCRIPTION DRUG PRICES
Stark hopes budget provision foreshadows Bush support for the Medicare Prescription Drug Price Negotiation Act
Washington, D.C. –- U.S. Representative Pete Stark (D-CA), Chairman of the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, today responded to the President’s request for legislation that would allow states to negotiate with drug manufacturers for cheaper prescription drugs.
“Shortly after the President released his budget, I criticized it as radically partisan and divisive and characterized his regressive tax proposals and draconian Medicare cuts as a declaration of war against America’s low- and middle-classes,” said Stark. “Upon further review, I’ve identified a diamond in the rough. President Bush has finally waved the white flag on drug price negotiation.”
“Bush’s budget requests legislation to allow state Medicaid programs to negotiate for cheaper prescription drugs,” continued Stark. “What’s good enough for states should be good enough for the federal government – and for the millions of seniors and people with disabilities currently being overcharged for necessary drugs. If Medicaid can successfully negotiate for lower prices, Medicare should also be able to get beneficiaries a better deal. I applaud the President’s change of heart and look forward to joining him in the Rose Garden for the signing of the Medicare Prescription Drug Price Negotiation Act.”
On Page 59 of the Department of Health and Human Services’ “Budget in Brief,” under section “FY 2008 Proposed Legislation” and subsection “Medicaid Pharmacy Reforms,” President Bush’s budget requests the following:
"Allow Optional Managed Formulary: Allows States to use private sector management techniques to leverage greater discounts through negotiations with drug manufacturers.” Stark.
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