Janice Schakowsky: “there is no question where the loyalty of Washington Republicans rests when it comes to prescription drug coverage for…”

“there is no question where the loyalty of Washington Republicans rests when it comes to prescription drug coverage for America's seniors. Their loyalty rests in the boardrooms of the Nation's huge pharmaceutical companies. One need only look to last Friday for proof. In pharmacies around the country, many seniors heard the bad news. Their drug purchases would not be covered under Medicare part D because they had reached the ``donut hole.'' These seniors lost coverage because they had already spent $2,250 on their prescriptions, and they won't qualify again until their expenses reach $5,100 for the year. I heard from my constituent, Pauline, who said: ``I'm sure somewhere along the way the `donut hole' phenomenon was described, but obviously was passed over in the tons of Medicare D explanations. All I know is that last month what I paid was $20 and it now costs me $96, and that was only on one prescription. What adds insult to injury is that we must now pay the premium, too, while we lose our benefits. Prior to Medicare part D, it was costing me approximately $400 for all my prescriptions; so I am now faced with full freight, inflated pharmacy bills due to the `donut hole.' '' Actually, Pauline will never get out of the donut hole. It is really a black hole for her. So shame on Congress, Mr. Speaker, if it recesses before requiring the Secretary of HHS to negotiate for lower prescription drug prices for seniors and persons with disabilities.”