Kuhl Introduces Legislation to Provide Prescription Drugs to Uninsured Americans
Press Release
Kuhl Introduces Legislation to Provide Prescription Drugs To Uninsured Americans
Prescription Drug Discount Bill will help the uninsured purchase needed prescription drugs
U.S. Representative John R. "Randy" Kuhl, Jr. (R-Hammondsport) today introduced legislation to create a voluntary prescription drug discount program for uninsured Americans. The Savings for the Uninsured on Rx Expenses (SURE) Act of 2008 will provide the millions of uninsured Americans with their needed prescription drugs at a discounted rate.
"With the skyrocketing cost of gasoline and inflation, many uninsured Americans are being forced to choose between gasoline for their car and their high priced prescription drugs. This program, if enacted, would be welcome relief to uninsured individuals who are currently struggling and do not qualify for the current Medicare or Medicaid programs," said Rep. Kuhl. "This bill will serve as a safety net, and go a long way in helping people afford those critical, life-saving medicines at more affordable prices."
This bill is modeled after the Medicare prescription drug discount card program established in the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003. Many uninsured Americans have a difficult time affording prescription drugs. They may have too many resources to qualify for Medicaid or are too young for Medicare and ineligible for other government-sponsored insurance programs. Without access to affordable pharmaceuticals, it is difficult for people to take an active role in maintaining their health and quality of life.
Under the SURE Act, uninsured small business employees and families can now have access to free-market negotiated discounts on a wide variety of prescription drugs. The drug discount card program would be made available no later than 6 months after the enactment date of the bill at an annual enrollment fee of up to $30 per enrollee.
In addition to creating the program, the bill creates a toll-free number to facilitate enrollment, and requires sponsors of prescription drug discount card programs to market the cards in an effort to maximize awareness among the uninsured. The bill also requires the Secretary of Health to create promotional material on the use of health savings accounts in conjunction with promotion of the drug discount card.
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