Because what we are trying to do is target those who need the help, and that is about 6 or maybe 10 percent of the population. What the Vice President is doing and what you are talking about is bringing 100 percent of Americans under a new national program where the Government is going to be the purchaser and the dispenser of these prescriptions. I reject that type of a plan.
Opposing a national prescription drug program during a floor speech.
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More from Rod Grams
I disagree with the Vice President--if I may reclaim my time--and I will tell you why. Because, as you said, when it goes into effect in 2002, it is not fully implemented for 6 to 8 years. You might start off with a low payment, but it…
We have tried, but we have not had it scored yet and have not been able to get the numbers, but some of the projections we have say it will be under $40 billion a year, not the 258 or 253 the Vice President is talking about.
So you are saying the President's plan, when fully phased in, will be only $25 per month or are you talking about the initial plan with the coverage available with the caps and coverage?
Not to belabor this debate, and it is good we are talking about it because the American people need to hear it, but over that amount of money you are talking about, we would still have a $25 copay, the $150 deductible, and then no cap at…
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