SCHAKOWSKY: BUSH ADMINISTRATIONS MISSTATEMENT OF THE DAY PRESCRIPTION DRUG COVERAGE FOR SENIORS & PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

Secretary Tommy Thompson wrote today in an op-ed in the Saint Paul Pioneer Press:

Legislation has passed both the House and Senate and, while there are substantial differences to be reconciled, the bills have much in common on the big issues. Both bills would provide all seniors with access to prescription drugs. And both would provide substantial prescription drug savings for seniors.

Schakowsky said, "It is not true and Secretary Thompson should know better than to make wild claims. Millions of seniors and persons with disabilities would pay more under the Republican plans."

According to "Paying More for Less," a study released by US Action, under the already-passed Republican House and Senate prescription drug bills, millions of Medicare beneficiaries would have to pay MORE for their prescription drugs, home health care, lab tests, and doctors' visits.

Specifically, the study found that:

• Between 11.1 and 13.4 million Medicare beneficiaries would pay MORE for prescription drugs than they do today.

• 32.5 million Medicare beneficiaries would pay more to see their doctor.

• Between 3.9 and 4.5 million retirees who now have prescription drug coverage would lose it.

• 5.8 million low-income seniors and people with disabilities could face higher drug costs.

• Lab visits and home health care services would cost Medicare beneficiaries $20.7 billion.