Kucinich sees role for medicines from outside U.S. in resolving Medicare cost, coverage crisis

Posted by Daniel Hines,
Publisher www.TodaysSeniorsNetwork.com

In one of our recent entries, we made a case that prescription medicines from outside the U.S. could provide a life-line for the budget problems of Medicare and Medicare Part D. We also criticized the agenda of selected groups that did not even want to consider such a possibility, a move that led one group to object that 'dialogue' about the development of positions should be kept within the framework of the group and not made a matter of public debate. We disagree and contend that a consideration of the potential budgetary benefit of access to prescription medicines deserves inclusion in any policy considerations affecting Medicare and especially Part D. It is a proposition that should be included in any discussion or debate about Medicare and Part D. Exclusion of such consideration is akin to cutting off one leg of a three-legged stool.
All of which is prologue to our pleasure to see that at least one Congressman agrees with us as Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) has introduced legislation that would completely revamp Medicare Part D to include a role for prescription medicines from outside the U.S. There will be those who will poo-pah the support of Reprsentative Kucinich, citing that he is a perpetual Presidential aspirant who, like former President Jimmy Carter, says he has seen UFOs. But this is also the same man who opposed the violation of the Constitution in our entry into an undeclared war in Iraq, who has championed price relief for low-income families who face not being able to pay heating bills this winter, and who authored and co-sponsored legislation to create a national health care system, preserve Social Security, lower the costs of prescription drugs, provide economic development through infrastructure improvements, abolish the death penalty, provide universal prekindergarten to all 3, 4, and 5 year olds, create a Department of Peace, regulate genetically engineered foods, repeal the USA PATRIOT Act, and provide tax relief to working class families.
And, he has served in Congress since 1996. Before that, he was elected the youngest Mayor of Cleveland in the city's history.
The role that Congressman Kucinich plays is similar to the historic role of populists who, like the Man of LaManch, dream the impossible dream, and work to introduce ideas and proposals that eventually become public policy.
By identifying the linkage of the fiscal problems of Medicare Part D at least in part to the pricing practices of the pharmaceutical industry , and seeking relief with his new proposal, Representative Kucinich offers an opportunity to improve not only Medicare and Part D themselves, but to provide necessary fiscal relief to an overburdend system--all the while, enhancing the health and well-being of Americans that is possible through access to safe, affordable prescription medicines.