The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF), which recently led a letter to Congress signed by over 300 health advocacy groups opposing harmful government interference in the Medicare Part D program, today issued the following statement in response to S. 1688:
“It is discouraging that, despite direct opposition from over 300 health advocates, members of Congress have introduced legislation that threatens Medicare Part D and its beneficiaries,” said Amy Porter, executive director and CEO of the National Osteoporosis Foundation.
“Current negotiations between insurers and manufacturers already keep costs low for taxpayers and beneficiaries alike. Moreover, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has stated multiple times that government negotiation would produce negligible savings unless the government also chooses to limit the availability of certain prescription drugs.
“This is likely the reason S. 1688 allows for the implementation of a single formulary for Medicare beneficiaries. A single formulary limits access to medications and puts the government in the position of deciding which medications are appropriate to treat seniors and individuals with disabilities – a decision that is best left to patients and their doctors. On behalf of these patients, we urge Congress to vote against this harmful legislation.”
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About the National Osteoporosis Foundation
Established in 1984, the National Osteoporosis Foundation is the nation’s leading health organization dedicated to preventing osteoporosis and broken bones, promoting strong bones for life and reducing human suffering through programs of awareness, education, advocacy and research. For more information on the National Osteoporosis Foundation, visit www.bonehealthandosteoporosis.org.