Editorial: Another reason for drug benefits

Thursday, April 27, 2000 | 9:16 a.m.

A study released by a consumer group shows once again why Congress should take immediate steps to lessen the high costs of prescription drugs for seniors and the disabled who are covered by Medicare. Families USA reports that prices for the most frequently used drugs by older Americans increased last year at almost double the overall inflation rate at the retail level.

President Clinton used the survey Wednesday to renew his call for adoption of his plan that would make all of the nation's 39 million Medicare recipients eligible for prescription drug coverage. While many Republicans have offered support for a more limited benefit, they should pass Clinton's legislation, which would offer all Medicare beneficiaries coverage for prescriptions, whose rising costs can be devastating for those on limited incomes.

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