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Experts Review Options for Prescription
Savings Between
Now Medicare Reform
Washington, D.C., July 31, 2003 - A
group of expert panelists agreed Tuesday that savings on prescription
drugs are a crucial issue for seniors waiting for Medicare reform and
others without adequate prescription drug coverage. The group also
discussed options that are currently available. And collectively
agreed that the pharmaceutical industry must find ways of controlling
costs.
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The panel included James Firman, Ed.D.,
president and CEO, National Council on the Aging (NCOA), Robert
Butler, M.D., president and CEO, International Longevity Center; Gail
Shearer, director, Health Policy Analysis, Consumers Union, Richard
Lane, CEO, Andrx Corporation, and was moderated by Howard Bedlin, vice
president of Public Policy & Advocacy, NCOA.
"For many seniors, there currently are
prescription savings programs that can help," said Firman. "For
example, there's the newest company-sponsored program - the SAVE
program - with no income requirements that can help millions of
seniors maintain their cholesterol levels. Because it contains no
asset test, SAVE is a model program that Medicare should study closely
in designing its own systems."
"Physicians have a responsibility to
ask their patients if price is a concern when prescribing
medications," said Buter, "and that this could help them find
solutions together or direct them to existing prescription savings
programs."
Lane, from Andrx, added: "If Americans
are to enjoy the benefits of living longer, the pharmaceutical
industry must use its resources to remove cost-barriers to its most
promising drugs." And he went on to say that "We've recently
introduced the SAVE Program that allows cash-paying patients to access
affordable, safe and effective cholesterol-lowering therapy by simply
calling 888-SAVE-888."
Shearer said that the nation must do
more "to reign in drug costs," saying that this is a win-win for
consumers and taxpayers. She also feared that because of gaps in
coverage, there will be a lot of disappointed seniors if and when a
bill passes.
Firman, however, said that the current
bills being considered are directed at helping those "with the
greatest need" and that the NCOA believes that the Senate proposal "is
a good first step toward a more comprehensive program."
The panelists also discussed remaining
challenges such as financing long-term care and the fact that 41
million people in the U.S. lack any type of health insurance, and
there are millions more whose health insurance does not cover
prescription drugs -- including over 11 million seniors on Medicare.
About NCOA
Founded in 1950, The National Council
on the Aging is the nation's first charitable organization dedicated
to promoting the dignity, independence, well-being, and contributions
of older Americans. NCOA serves as a national voice and powerful
advocate on behalf of older Americans. NCOA is an innovator,
developing programs such as BenefitsCheckUp, Foster Grandparents and
Family Friends. NCOA is an activator, working with its thousands of
community organization members nationwide to provide needed services
to older people. For more information on NCOA, visit
www.ncoa.org. |
