Rep. Courtney Disappointed by Senate GOP Refusal to Debate Medicare Part D Negotiation Bill

Press Release

Rep. Courtney Disappointed by Senate GOP Refusal to Debate Medicare Part D Negotiation Bill

Representative Joe Courtney released the following statement today in response to Senate Republicans yesterday blocking debate on a bill allowing the federal government to negotiate lower drug prices for Medicare Part D participants:

"I am extremely disappointed by the Senate Republicans' refusal to allow debate on a bill that has the potential to cut the high cost of medication for America's senior citizens enrolled in the Medicare Part D program."

"The Senate should follow the House lead and pass legislation to permit the federal government to use its bulk purchasing power to negotiate for lower cost prescription drugs. It's time that the Congress listen to the American people and fix the Medicare Part D program so that it is a true benefit for all enrollees, not just those with nominal medical needs."

Congressman Courtney supported HR 4, Medicare Prescription Drug Price Negotiation Act of 2007, which passed the House of Representatives in January as part of the ‘First 100 Hours' agenda.

Congressman Courtney will also introduce legislation this upcoming week with Connecticut Congressman Chris Murphy seeking to improve the Medicare Part D program by narrowing the gap in coverage known as the ‘donut hole', removes the lifetime penalties for late-enrollment, and ends the unfair practice of permitting the drug coverage providers to change formulas at any time while the participant is locked in for one year.

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