Jon L. Christensen: “left to the Republican sham prescription drug bill, our parents, including individuals with disabilities, will find…”

“left to the Republican sham prescription drug bill, our parents, including individuals with disabilities, will find themselves at the mercy of private HMOs having to search for a plan. America's seniors want guaranteed access to the medicines their doctors prescribe at prices they can afford, and they depend on that guarantee for help and for life. The only bill on the floor today guarantees no prescription drug benefit. The plan the Republicans are trying to force on this country does nothing to curb soaring drug prices, not enough to restore provider payments and does everything to benefit private insurance companies. Our plan, the Dingell bill, honors our responsibilities to this Nation's seniors, gives them coverage for any drug their doctor prescribes, and guarantees that beneficiaries always have coverage, with lower monthly premiums and a lower out-of-pocket maximum. Our plan beats theirs any day and in any way. That is why we are being denied a chance to offer it. That is not fair to us, their colleagues, and it disrespects those who sent us here; but it is most unfair to the seniors and their families who need real help with medication now.”