Medicare News
| For Immediate Release: | Contact: |
| Thursday, September 06, 2001 | CMS Office of Public Affairs 202-690-6145 |
For questions about Medicare please call 1-800-MEDICARE or visit www.medicare.gov. |
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STATEMENT OF TOM SCULLY, ADMINISTRATOR CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES ON MEDICARE-ENDORSED RX DISCOUNT DRUG CARD PROGRAM
We are disappointed in the injunction announced today because it will delay the Administration's efforts to provide immediate and necessary relief to the millions of Americans who are forced to pay full price for their prescription drugs. A Medicare-endorsed prescription drug card would give significant discounts to seniors and disabled Americans that are available to most other Americans now. We received 28 applications for the program, offering significant discounts and pharmaceutical benefits.
We are working with the Department of Justice to consider all our legal options. Our goal remains to provide discounts to millions of seniors as soon as possible. It is a shame that most seniors are still paying full retail prices for prescription drugs. The decision intensifies the need for Congress to act quickly on the President's proposals for Medicare reform, including a prescription drug benefit. At the same time, we will continue to work on all judicial and legislative alternatives to provide immediate relief on drug prices -- such as those offered by a Medicare-endorsed prescription drug card.
