Congressman Walz Votes to Lower Prescription Drug Prices for Seniors

"U.S. House"

01/12/2007

Washington, D.C.-Today, Representative Tim Walz voted to repeal the provision of Medicare Part D that prohibits the federal government from negotiating with drug companies to get the lowest prescription drug price for seniors. Additionally, the bill requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to enter such negotiations.

"This is the most obvious way to offer some relief to our seniors on their medical expenses. Any smart shopper knows that the best way to save money is to buy in bulk. Today, the pocketbooks of our seniors are stretched further than ever. It only makes sense that the government would negotiate for bulk prices on prescription drugs," Walz said.

"Ultimately, authorizing the Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate with drug companies is only the first step to fixing our health care crisis," said Walz. "The cost of health insurance and prescription drug coverage is a burden to working Americans as well as to American employers. I plan to take an active role in making the American health care system more accessible, more affordable and more responsive to the needs of the American people."

H.R. 4 passed the House by a vote of 255-170.

The bill gives the HHS Secretary complete discretion in how to implement his negotiating authority. The Secretary's options are many and HHS has a wealth of expertise, which it successfully used in 2001 to obtain lower prices for Cipro, the prescription drug used in response to the anthrax attacks.