DAVIS SAYS NEGOTIATE FOR LOWER PRESCRIPTION DRUG PRICES January 12, 2007

WASHINGTON, D.C. --U.S. Rep. Lincoln Davis today voted for legislation requiring the government to negotiate for lower drug prices so seniors may have access to more affordable prescription medications under the Medicare program. Under current law, the Department of Health and Human Services is strictly prohibited from negotiating for lower prices. The measure passed the House by a vote of 255 to 170.

"I enthusiastically support the goal of reducing prescription drug prices," said Davis, a co-sponsor of the legislation. "With Americans paying the highest prescription drug prices in the world, common sense would dictate giving the Secretary of Health and Human Services every option available to use the collective power of 43 million Medicare beneficiaries to drive down costs."

Davis, who frequently hears from seniors in his rural district about the difficulties in obtaining affordable drugs, represents more than 13,630 elderly individuals with incomes below the federal poverty level. These 13,630 individuals equate to a poverty rate of 14.2% for people over 65 in the district. Data available from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services shows there are around 85,000 Medicare Part D beneficiaries in the 4th District, as of June 2006.

The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003, passed on November 22, 2003, represented a breakthrough and an important milestone in the nation's commitment to expand health security for current beneficiaries and future generations. The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) has said with the passage of the Medicare Prescription Drug Price Negotiation Act of 2007 we will be building upon the strength of the 2003 bill.

"No one should have to choose between medicines or meals," said Davis. "Seniors across America desperately need assistance in paying for their prescription drugs. Our citizens have been required to pay outrageous prices for the prescription drugs they desperately need to manage their healthcare needs."