Reimportation of Prescription Drugs Stalls Senate Healthcare Debate

December 11, 2009

Could undo agreement between Whitehouse and Pharmaceutical Industry

A proposed amendment by Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND) that would allow the reimportation of lower cost prescription drugs has brought the healthcare debate to a grinding halt. Fear that the passage of the amendment could undo an agreement between the Whitehouse and the Pharmaceutical Industry has put the debate on hold and has created increased tension between Democratic members and Whitehouse. Senator Dorgan expects to have the votes to pass his amendment. Passage of the Dorgan amendment could jeopardize the support of the Pharmaceutical Industry, which is seen as crucial in advancing the Healthcare bill.

Senate Democrats are still considering the expansion of Medicare to uninsured individuals ages 55- 64. Some refer to it as a breakthrough in healthcare. The Congressional Business Office has yet to release their report on the cost of the bill based on the Medicare expansion.

Other articles of interest in the December 11, 2009 NAHU Newswire are:

• Sens. Wyden and Collins unveil batch of reform amendments.
• HHS works to curb Medicare fraud

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