Summary
Government officials confirmed that Viagra would be covered under the new Medicare prescription drug benefit, which takes effect in 2006. In a nation where we're trying to teach abstinence to young adults, taxpayers are now footing the bill for sex-enhancing drugs for grandpa.
Original source:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=7502411
Details
Viagra, the blockbuster impotence drug, will be paid for under Medicare's new prescription drug coverage, officials said on Tuesday.
A new prescription drug coverage law that takes effect next year means the government health insurance plan for the elderly must offer to help pay for medically necessary drugs, the officials said.
That would include sildenafil, sold by Pfizer under the brand name Viagra, and other erectile dysfunction drugs.
"If it's an illness then Medicare can cover it," a Health and Human Services spokesman said.
Karr said the "medically necessary" part is important.
"These kind of drugs are going to have a very minor impact on the drug benefit," he said.
"These particular drugs are sometimes prescribed because another medical condition makes it necessary -- if there is a vascular problem, that sort of thing," Karr added.
Citizens Against Government Waste criticized the move.
About the author: Mike Adams is a consumer health advocate and award-winning journalist with a strong interest in personal health, the environment and the power of nature to help us all heal He has authored and published thousands of articles, interviews, consumers guides, and books on topics like health and the environment, and he is well known as the creator of popular downloadable preparedness programs on financial collapse, emergency food storage, wilderness survival and home defense skills. Adams is a trusted, independent journalist who receives no money or promotional fees whatsoever to write about other companies' products. In 2010, Adams launched TV.NaturalNews.com, a natural health video site featuring videos on holistic health and green living. He also founded an environmentally-friendly online retailer called BetterLifeGoods.com that uses retail profits to help support consumer advocacy programs. He's also a successful software entrepreneur, having founded a well known email marketing software company whose technology currently powers the NaturalNews email newsletters. Adams volunteers his time to serve as the executive director of the Consumer Wellness Center, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, and practices nature photography, Capoeira, martial arts and organic gardening. Known as the 'Health Ranger,' Adams' personal health statistics and mission statements are located at www.HealthRanger.org
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Tuesday, February 08, 2005
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