B’nai B’rith International is hopeful that a plan by drug makers to subsidize $80 billion to help seniors pay for prescription drugs is a potential positive step forward in healthcare reform that will help millions of seniors in need. Radical changes to prescription affordability could lead to a transformation in the Medicare program that is a lifeline for so many seniors.
One of the most glaring problems with the current Medicare prescription plan is the so-called "donut hole," which forces seniors to pay 100 percent of prescription costs after a certain threshold is attained. The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), the industry group that represents drug makers, announced it would underwrite half of the costs of medications to seniors in this donut hole if there is a comprehensive healthcare system overhaul. B’nai B’rith supports the concept of reforming this problem with prescription coverage for seniors.
“This demonstrates that business and industry must have a seat at the table for reform to happen,” said B’nai B’rith International Associate Executive Vice President Mark Olshan. “There are many pieces to the healthcare reform puzzle, and securing this one is crucial.”
“Too many seniors are in desperate need of help to pay the ever-higher costs of the prescriptions they need,” said Rachel Goldberg, B’nai B’rith International’s director of Aging Policy. “As lawmakers work on overhauling our healthcare system – something the American public has overwhelmingly demonstrated it views as a major national priority – knowing that drug manufacturers are willing to take some measures can only help in their planning.”
B’nai B’rith is committed to achieving healthcare reform that is good for America’s seniors, as healthcare reform efforts are central to healthy aging. B’nai B’rith continues to work on this vital issue by meeting with lawmakers, building coalitions, and participating in town hall meetings.
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