We Must Seize the Moment to Stand up for Seniors' Access to Care

Press Release

Congressman Doug Collins (GA-09) made the following statement on recent developments affecting senior citizens' access to medical care:

"If there's one thing seniors need more than access to their medical care, it's a streamlined, efficient federal government. We're seeing movement in two areas lately that make this case.

"The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Studies recently announced a proposed change in their rules that would allow any willing pharmacy to participate in the Part D program. This is great news for a place like Northeast Georgia, where independent community pharmacies provide the attentive care to seniors and local jobs we need. Now, that plan is on hold as the agency works through more than 700 pages of additional rules and regulations, holding up this important provision indefinitely."

Collins continued, "This development comes on the heels of the Department of Justice's recent announcement of a renewed focus on tackling prescription drug abuse in this country. The wonderful intentions of this necessary effort run an extremely high risk of being plagued by a cumbersome process that historically does not encourage communication between the Drug Enforcement Agency, pharmaceutical distributors, and independent pharmacies. If this continues, the supply-chain is at risk of breaking down in a way that effects consumers first and foremost.

"Congress has an opportunity here to protect our seniors from the adverse effects of federal regulations and provide a way for the government to do its job without adding barriers to the supply chain."

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