Thursday, May 04, 2000
Lucas proposes prescription benefit
Retired veterans would be eligible
By Derrick DePledge
Enquirer Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON — Rep. Ken Lucas on Wednesday proposed new prescription drug benefits for retired military veterans.
Military retirees eligible for Medicare, the federal health care program for the elderly, could obtain prescription drugs through the mail for an $8 co-payment or get a 20 percent discount at pharmacies.
As many as one-third of senior citizens have no prescription drug coverage, including thousands of military retirees who live too far away to get medicine at a military base.
The White House and Republicans in Congress are interested in expanding prescription drug coverage, particularly within Medicare, but have yet to settle on the details. The bill by Mr. Lucas, a Kentucky Democrat from Richwood, is similar to legislation by Sen. John Warner, R-Va., chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee.
“We owe a tremendous debt to our veterans. They deserve to live in dignity,” said Mr. Lucas, who also supports adding a prescription drug benefit to Medicare. “They are the people who have made America the strongest nation in the world.”
Prescription drug costs are the fastest growing segment of military health care spending, according to the Department of Defense, with growth of about 13 percent a year, compared to 15 percent in the private sector. In 1997, military prescription drug costs were $1.3 billion of the $15.7 billion in health care expenses.
Military retirees without access to a military facility must pay market rates.
Mr. Lucas and Mr. Warner would open the national mail-order program to all of the estimated 1.3 million military retirees over 65, as well as provide 20 percent discounts at pharmacies.
A study by Democratic investigators for the House Government Reform Committee found that senior citizens in Mr. Lucas' Northern Kentucky congressional district who lack comprehensive health insurance pay more for prescription drugs than they would if they lived in Canada or Mexico.
“Seniors should not have to decide between buying food and buying medicine,” Mr. Lucas said. “We need a prescription drug benefit for seniors now, more than ever.”
Drug manufacturers argue the cost of living is lower in Mexico and that Canada has a national health care system that creates price supports on drugs.
The relatively higher costs for prescription drugs in the United States are due, in part, to research, development, regulatory approval and a surge in demand for popular medicine, manufacturers claim.
Miami averted bloodshed
Preserving the memory of a tragedy
Turbulent times
Clinton: 'Income is not destiny'
Owensboro shows off its hospitality
Lawsuit escalates Butler battle
The system didn't weed family tree
Having the last laugh
Tale inspires floral winner
$1M more on bill
Lucas proposes prescription benefit
Officials again OK $2M for road lid
Ohio senators plan tax cuts
Public invited to feast
The Derby prayer: Give us this day a horse that's well-bred
Another quits Springboro schools
Awards tip hat to tradition, but pop country wins
Basketball coach leaves Lemon-Monroe
Birds of prey fascinate young and old park visitors
Mason rejects retail plan
NKU education college proposed
Performer to portray Churchill's personal side
'PiggyBank' gave designer wealth of enjoyment
Police memorial planned
Butler bans signs around courthouse
Firehouse designed for Monroe
Homeowner concerns noted
Jump ropes take girls to New York
Senior fashions a dream dress
Silverton lands dialysis clinic as 2nd project
Underdog is undeterred in race against Roeding
GET TO IT
Queen City's moments to shine reflected in book
Tristate digest
