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Resolutions Adopted at the
67th Annual Conference of Mayors
New Orleans, Louisiana
June 11-15, 1999 |
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HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
HELPING OUR SENIORS MEET THE RISING COST OF
PRESCRIPTION DRUGS
WHEREAS, through the medical advances of our society, many Americans are living
longer and healthier lives; and
WHEREAS, despite these advances, many seniors are paying exorbitant prices to
gain access to prescription drugs, as much as $400 a month; and
WHEREAS, Medicare does not cover the rapidly rising cost of these drugs, most
Medigap insurance does not cover drugs and those that do set a ceiling on costs; and
WHEREAS, according to a report by the United States House Committee on
Government Operations, individual seniors can pay as much as 1446 percent more for
prescription drugs than insurance companies or HMOs that can buy in bulk; and
WHEREAS, 19 million seniors have little or no drug coverage,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that The United States Conference of Mayors calls
on Congress to enact comprehensive legislation to assist needy seniors with the cost of
prescription drugs; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that The United States Conference of Mayors supports the
purchase of prescription drugs for needy seniors through the federal procurement system,
thus substantially lowering the cost of drugs for the elderly; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that The United States Conference of Mayors calls upon
the drug companies, many of whom have made substantial profits in recent years, to work
with government at all levels to make the cost of prescription drugs more affordable for
seniors; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the federal government support a grant program to
reward those local public health systems that take the initiative to develop innovative
approaches to this problem.
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