Kay Bailey Hutchison: “I have to say I would be concerned about a Government-run prescription drug benefit because of what it would do to our…”

“I have to say I would be concerned about a Government-run prescription drug benefit because of what it would do to our free enterprise system and our capability to have competition which I think is very important. I think the underlying bill provides the competitiveness that will be so important for a balanced system, and it is also one that will give seniors the best prices and the best choices. I would like to make a statement in general about the bill we have before us. I have to say that we have been talking about reform of Medicare for years--maybe for the 10 years I have been here. But today we are now talking about a real bill and maybe a real chance to reform this very important program. I think it is clear that any time there is reform we must include a prescription drug component. We must have a choice which is similar to that in the private sector, and we must admit that Medicare has not kept pace with the rapid changes in our health care system. As our research community pushes the envelope and develops lifesaving medicines and procedures, our Nation's health care system must take that innovation into account or it will not be the greatest health care system in the world. Pharmaceuticals have revolutionized medical care. Increasingly, ailments are treated with medication as opposed to invasive surgeries.”