Prescription Drug Bill Splits Congress Members

Figuring out how to get prescription drugs to senior citizens at a cost they can afford is no easy task. And all week members of Congress have been haggling over how to do it and it seems even some Arkansas Congress members can`t seem to agree. Even some senior citizens are little nervous over the bill. "I think it`ll end up costing me a lot more money than what we have today," said John Youngblood. His wife takes 3 or 4 prescription drugs a month. Congressman Mike Ross says not only does the bill side with drug manufacturers, but it wouldn`t kick in until 2006. Even then, it`s not much of a benefit. "And then seniors still foot $4,000 for the 1st $5,000 of medicine each year," said Rep. Mike Ross (D), AR-4th District. But his colleague Senator Blanche Lincoln has a differing opinion. She praises the bill, calling it, at the least, a great place to start. "This is the 1st time in history we`ve had a $400 billion earmark in the budget for prescription drugs and medicare reform," said Sen. Blanche Lincoln. Lincoln says the bill benefits the low-income and rural populations, both of which Arknasas has a large amount of. But Congressman Marion Berry says the bill does nothing to lower prescription drug prices and it explicitly prohibits the negotiation for lower drug prices by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Congress could vote on the bill this week.