Mark Kirk: “I am voting for H.R. 4 because I believe that the Medicare prescription drug program can be improved. And one…”

“I am voting for H.R. 4 because I believe that the Medicare prescription drug program can be improved. And one improvement is allowing the Secretary an opportunity to negotiate lower drug prices. At the same time, my support for H.R. 4 is contingent upon the principle that this legislation will not allow restrictions imposed by the Federal Government on patients' access to medicines. I firmly believe that every patient must have access to the medicines their doctors prescribe, without government intervention. I interpret this legislation to mean Medicare beneficiaries are protected against all types of government-imposed restrictions on patients' access to the medicines they need, and that no such restrictions will be allowed under the Medicare Modernization Act as amended by H.R. 4. Seniors should pay less for prescription drugs, and Medicare should have more tools to achieve savings for our Nation's elderly. But these savings should not come at the expense of seniors ability to discuss with their doctors which drugs are best for their health and to have access to these drugs in the Medicare Part D program. I am disappointed that H.R. 4 was rushed to the floor today without any hearings or amendments allowed. I hope the Senate will take a more thoughtful approach when considering Medicare Part D reform to add more protections for our seniors.”