By George Anderson
The Food Marketing Institute (FMI), representing grocery retailers and wholesalers, has called on Congress to pass the Medicare prescription drug legislature it is considering.
Tim Hammonds, president and chief executive officer, FMI, said in a released statement, "The bipartisan Medicare bill currently before Congress delivers choice, convenient access, and affordable prescription drugs to seniors — especially to the low-income seniors who need it most."
"This legislation allows seniors greater choice and convenience wherever they purchase medications. It enables them to fill long-term 90-day prescriptions at their local community pharmacy. It saves them money by speeding the introduction of generic drugs — a needed change, especially in this time of spiraling drug and health care costs. And it stimulates much-needed increased competition in the health care field."
Moderator's Comment: Should Congress pass the Medicare Prescription Drug Bill? Should pharmacy retailers join FMI in asking Congress to pass the bill.
No it shouldn't and no they shouldn't for a couple of reasons.
The first being Congress is under-funding the program. Estimates, we've seen, suggest Congress has only allocated about one-quarter the money needed to cover prescription drug expenditures. If Congress is serious about this bill, then it should fund it properly. If it isn't willing to fund it, then this is just another political smokescreen.
The second reason is that it simply isn't consumer friendly as supporters of the bill believe. There is nothing in it to provide an antidote for spiraling health costs.
A prescription drug bill without a fundamental change in the U.S. medical coverage system is like boarding up the house when a tornado is coming. It might look as though things are secure when all is calm, but as soon as the twister hits -- kabloom!
Retailers shouldn't be listening to their leaders on this one. They should be looking out for their customers. [George Anderson - Moderator]