Sorry, "WILD THING"! House blocks Viagra for Medicare patients

[Bluebear]

WASHINGTON - Impotence drugs such as Viagra would not be covered by Medicaid and Medicare, the government health programs for the poor and the aged, under new prohibitions approved by the House on Friday.

By a 285-121 vote, the House approved an amendment by Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, to stop the government from paying for the drugs. King said his amendment would save taxpayers $105 million next year alone.

King had earlier commissioned a budget study that found the government would spend more than $2 billion on such impotence drugs over the next decade. The amount spent would greatly increase as the Medicare prescription program begins next year.

"We don't force taxpayers to pay for face lifts, weight-loss drugs, hair-growth treatment or vacations, so we should not force them to pay for sexual-performance drugs," King said. "Medicare and Medicaid were established to provide lifesaving medication for the truly needy."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20050624/ap_on_he_me/impotence_drugs

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"Waaaah."

Besides, sex is only for procreation, not for recreation, right Republicans?

[katinmn]

1. I have to agree with this bill. Limited resources for the poor and

elderly have to be reserved for life-saving drugs, not elective drugs.

This bill might have the added benefit of adding more money to health care.

I can see a mini revolt when men who have grown used to using them no longer can afford their male enhancement meds.

[Bluebear]

2. Point taken but resources are "limited" why?

How many doses would $200 billion Iraqi dollars buy?

I don't equate sexual function with a face-lift as that congressman does.

[Lerkfish]

3. LOL! another reason for the poor to be depressed...

maybe this will lead to a revolt.

:)

[katinmn]

10. Exactly. This will affect many who don't want to cave in.

[SalmonChantedEvening]

4. Stiff Opposition from Congress

And at least we aren't getting shafted...

OK OK I'll stop... :D

[Bluebear]

5. They're just campaigning for the next erection

Sh-doom BAH!

[Divameow77]

6. OT, but I love the guy in the Viagra ad

he was in a very funny Sex in the City episode.

[SoCalDem]

7. Senate will change it.. I think they will still allow medicare

but not medicaid.

[geniph]

8. I agree with the ruling but not the reasoning

As far as I'm concerned, until they cover contraception they can just forget about covering the boner pills. Deal with the consequences for crying out loud!

[Bluebear]

9. A boner is not equal to a face lift or a vacation

Sexuality is obviously only a gift from on high to be used only for making babies according to these people.

I agree with your concerns about men's vs women's drugs but it's not easy to "deal" with the consequences in this case, geniph. Not thatt I have a problem yet :)

[WildClarySage]

11. I have a friend whose husband was left with "viagra issues"

after a bout of testicular cancer and it's been extremely difficult for them as a couple. Fortunately they do carry private insurance and can get the meds they need, but viagra isn't just for dirty old men and sex isn't just for those who can afford it, either.

[applegrove]

12. Hopeing once again that American men sublimate their testosterone

aggression into money making careers - it the hope that they can keep on going forever.

Always comes down to sex. Now that is a wedge!

[applegrove]

13. Delete - double post.