Capito: Misguided Drug Bill is a Solution Looking for a Problem

Capito: Misguided Drug Bill is a Solution Looking for a Problem

Rep. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) today made the following statement after voting against H.R. 4, legislation that would limit seniors' choices for prescription drugs:

"It is extremely important to me that seniors have the ability to have access to the prescription drugs they need in an affordable way. That is exactly why I voted against this legislation.

"Today's legislation was nothing more than a misguided solution in need of a problem. Medicare Part D is working because it is rooted in the free market and is void of government intervention and price controls. Surveys have shown that 80 percent of seniors on Part D are happy with their drug coverage, and the average senior on the program saves over $1,200 annually. Because of the success of Part D, 91 percent of West Virginia seniors now have drug coverage.

"Supporters of this bill often compare it to the Department of Veterans Affairs plan, but the fact of the matter is the VA plan offers less than one-third of the 4,300 prescription drugs available to seniors under Part D drug plans. That likely explains why many retired veterans are enrolled in a Part D plan that offers more choices.

"In fact, the American Legion opposed this legislation because they claimed it was 'not in the best interest' of their three million veteran members or their families.

"There may very well be ways to improve and strengthen Medicare Part D, but the heavy hand of government control that is exerted by this legislation is not one of them."

http://capito.house.gov/press_office/detail-page.aspx?id=221&whichone=pr