NurseWeek

Clinton, GOP exchange words on health bills

By Keith W. Murrow
September 27, 2000


	You've read the article. Now tell us what you think. Related Site Information about prescription drugs from the American Association of Retired Persons

Washington (H24N). Republicans took the lead yesterday on key health issues stalled in Congress with a letter to President Clinton challenging him to work toward bipartisan compromises on strengthening Medicare and providing prescription drugs to senior citizens before the congressional session ends next month.

"We hope that partisan bickering would not prevent us from helping those who need it most now," House Speaker Denny Hastert (R-Ill.) and Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-Miss.) wrote, expressing their concerns that nothing may happen this year. "We remain committed to comprehensive reform for all seniors within Medicare, but we should not let our disagreements shortchange those seniors who currently have to choose between prescription drugs and food."

In their letter Hastert and Lott propose the creation of a "Medicare lock-box" ensuring money in the Medicare Trust fund is only used for the government health insurance program and not other spending.

They also proposed the allocation of $40 billion in resources over a five-year period to "modernize Medicare" and provide a prescription drug benefit to seniors.

The two leaders also said they wanted to pass legislation before Congress adjourned that would allow Americans to purchase lower-priced drugs available in foreign countries like Canada.

Clinton's response to the Republican leaders' proposals for a Medicare prescription drug benefit came in a letter expressing his dissatisfaction with their pessimism.

"I am extremely disappointed by your determination that it is impossible to pass a voluntary Medicare prescription drug benefit this year," he wrote. "I simply disagree."

Instead of forcing seniors to the borders for cheaper prescription drugs, the president asked the GOP to pass legislation that would make drug companies provide affordable medications in the United States.

Clinton agreed there is a need for a Medicare lock-box, but warned the Republican leaders to ensure Medicare payroll taxes are used expressly for Medicare.

Clinton did leave a glimmer of hope for the GOP: "There is no reason why we cannot work together to pass and enact such legislation immediately."