Those who have worked, saved, and paid taxes their entire lives, deserve to enjoy their retirement and not have to worry about whether they will be able to afford their prescription drugs. Rising prescription drug prices are placing a strain on those with a fixed income and Congress needs to continue to help make those prescription drugs affordable. 

Our seniors should never have to choose between paying for their prescription drugs and putting food on their table. That is why I voted to create the prescription drug benefit in 2003 and give our seniors access to affordable medication. I will continue to fight to ensure that our seniors have access to the medicines they need, at a price they can afford.

Medicare Part D is a critical program that is helping Missouri’s seniors cope with the rising costs of their prescriptions. While this program is not perfect, it is helping seniors. Right now, approximately 573,000 Missouri seniors are receiving help with buying their prescription drugs through Medicare. On average, seniors are saving $1200 a year on the cost of their medication.

For many seniors, Medicare is the critical safety net that gives them access to the medicines they need and it must be preserved. I will continue to fight against any cuts to Medicare like I did in 2007 when special interests tried to make cuts to the Medicare Advantage Program.

I will continue to fight any future cuts that would hurt our seniors who depend on Medicare.