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A federal judge has thrown out Montgomery County's lawsuit arguing that the FDA unfairly barred it from importing lower cost prescription drugs from Canada for its employees.
County officials say they're reviewing their legal options and deciding their next move.
Source: Judge Throws Out Canadian Drug Lawsuit (Associated Press)
"Jon Porter has failed to make prescription drugs more affordable... In fact, his votes in Congress have made drugs more expensive, while the drug companies make record profits."
Congressional candidate Tessa Hafen criticized her Republican opponent's support for recent federal Medicare legislation.
If elected, Hafen said she would allow the government to negotiate with drug makers and legalize the reimportation of medicines from Canada.
Source: Hafen Attacks Nevada Congressman for Medicare Vote (Associated Press)
While many have been left behind by Part D, there is a clear winner: the drug industry. Independent analysts predict that Part D will increase drug industry profits by $139 billion over the next eight years. Glaxo-SmithKline's second-quarter net income already jumped 14 percent, and other leading drug companies also have benefited.
The procedure used to pass Part D was the worst abuse of the legislative process I have seen during my 20 years in Congress. Powerful Republicans quashed conscientious amendments to the bill, including one requiring the administration to negotiate lower drug prices and another allowing Americans to import cheaper drugs from Canada. And during the conference process by which the House and Senate versions of legislation are reconciled, Democratic legislators were shut out, but lobbyists from the pharmaceutical industry were invited in.
Louise Slaughter represents the 28th District in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Source: Give Medicare Program Total Overhaul; Don't Just Fill 'Doughnut Hole' (The Rochester Democrat and Chronicle)
Recent criticisms of Part D have focused on the so-called "doughnut hole" rule in which beneficiaries must cover all annual expenses between $2,251 and $5,100 — a hole in their coverage. But while this flaw will cost patients money and is expected to hurt as many as 7 million seniors and people living with disabilities this year, it is just the tip of the iceberg.
Part D does not allow the administration to negotiate drug prices with pharmaceutical companies. These companies are charging taxpayers up to 80 percent more for drugs purchased under Part D than for those purchased under other plans. Furthermore, it prevents the re-importation of cheaper medications from Canada.
Louise Slaughter represents the 28th District in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Source: Give Medicare Program Total Overhaul; Don't Just Fill 'Doughnut Hole' (The Rochester Democrat and Chronicle)
"In case you haven't noticed, a large wall is being built around the American people to ensure that they remain prisoner to the drug industry. It's easy to understand why drug makers want to force Americans to buy their products in the United States. Ours is the only industrialized country that doesn't negotiate the prices the drug companies may charge. As a result, a 90-day supply of Fosamax sells for $105 in Canada but $210 here."
Froma Harrop is a Providence Journal columnist.
Source: Keeping Our Border Safe from Affordable Medication (Seattle Times)
