Don Nickles: “Mr. President, 80-some percent of the people do not have drug costs that exceed $2,000. Catastrophic did not kick in…”

“Mr. President, 80-some percent of the people do not have drug costs that exceed $2,000. Catastrophic did not kick in until $3,300. No doubt some people would benefit, but maybe the majority of the people would not. It looked to me as though it was a real loser for the States. I think OMB happens to agree. They estimate it would cost my State something like $62 million. I would not be a bit surprised if it cost more than that. Our State cannot afford that. We have a Medicaid Program that is already going bankrupt. My point being--and I mention this with my friend from Florida here. I have respect for my colleagues, but always I think it is important we not impugn the integrity of Senators.”