The Disturbing Truth About Medicare Part D

Once upon a time on an enchanted Hill there was The pharmaceutical industry,the congressmen and the lobbyists, but this isn't a fairy tale. This is thestory of how the Medicare Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003(better known as MedicarePart D) was passed.

The bill made it to the house in the morning, but wasn't voted on until 3:00AM so it wouldn't attract any media coverage. It was supposed to have been a 15minute vote, but voting was left open for almost 3 hours until it received thevotes it needed.

60 Minutes did a story on this UnderThe Influence.

(CBS) If you have ever wondered why the cost of prescriptiondrugs in the United States are the highest in the world or why it's illegal toimport cheaper drugs from Canada or Mexico, you need look no further than thepharmaceutical lobby and its influence in Washington, D.C.

Referring to the frenzy to pass the bill, Representitive Walter Jones (R NC)said "I've been in politics for 22 years, and it was the ugliest night Ihave ever seen in 22 years."

15 of the staffers and politicians that worked on this bill to get it passed,were eventually employed by pharmaceutical companies making as much as $2million salaries.

 

 

The Center for Public Integritydigs deeper into what they call PushingPrescriptions. There is a lot of information on their web site.