Monday, June 26, 2006 · Last updated 9:49 p.m. PT
Democrats to unveil drug benefit changesBy KEVIN FREKING
ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER
WASHINGTON -- Any buyer knows the advantage of buying in bulk.
Think about the advantage when you're negotiating on behalf of 43 million elderly
and disabled Americans. That's the image painted by Democratic lawmakers who want
the federal government to negotiate drug prices on behalf of Medicare recipients.
The Democrats envision using the money that is saved to close a gap in coverage,
called the "doughnut hole," that will affect an estimated 6.9 million people this
year.
"Democrats fought against Social Security privatization, and we are now working
to fix the flaws in the Republican prescription drug program," said California Rep.
Nancy Pelosi, the House minority leader.
The Democratic proposal, being introduced Tuesday, provides an alternative viewpoint
to how the drug benefit should be shaped. Currently, seniors and the disabled select
from dozens of plans offered in their state by private insurers, who negotiate prices.