Asa Hutchinson: “nearly 482,000 seniors in Arkansas desperately need a Medicare prescription drug benefit. Per capita, Arkansas has one…”

“nearly 482,000 seniors in Arkansas desperately need a Medicare prescription drug benefit. Per capita, Arkansas has one of the poorest senior populations in the Nation, which means, more often than not, Arkansas seniors must choose between putting food on the table and buying much needed prescription medicines. I voted in favor of the Graham-Smith-Lincoln Medicare prescription drug compromise today, which has the full support of the AARP, because I believe in providing prescription drug assistance to as many people as possible and to those seniors who need it most. I regret, however, that it leaves out nearly 40 percent of Arkansas seniors and lacks measures to strengthen and protect Medicare. Rather, I believe that a universal benefit, accompanied by responsible Medicare reforms, is the most sensible approach to addressing the rising cost of drugs for our seniors and ensuring the long-term stability of the Medicare program. But most importantly, I am concerned about the impact of the Graham-Smith-Lincoln compromise on local pharmacies. Seniors need a Medicare prescription drug benefit just as much as they need access to their local pharmacies, particularly in rural states like Arkansas. The discount drug card established under the Graham-Smith-Lincoln compromise is a concept I opposed last week when I voted against the Hagel drug card amendment.”