Originally published January 18 2005
Schwarzenegger wants drug companies to cut prices for low-income uninsured
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger of California is asking drug manufacturers and pharmacies to voluntarily give discounts to poorer state residents who lack drug coverage. He is asking them to discount prices by about 40 percent, starting next year. About five million Californians would be covered by the plan, if drug makers agree. Critics of the plan charge that it does not go far enough.
- The governor's plan to provide low income Californians substantial discounts on prescription medications is already generating controversy.
- Arnold Schwarzenegger is asking drugmakers and pharmacies to voluntarily give discounts to low income, uninsured state residents.
- The discounts, which would average about 40 percent, would take effect next year.
- Qualified Californians would be issued a prescription drug discount card.
- An estimated five million residents may be eligible for the program.
- They include families earning less than $57,000 annually and singles making under $28,000 a year.
- Schwarzenegger has lined up an unlikely political ally in his effort to make the plan a reality.
- Deborah Ortiz, D-Sacramento, is sponsoring Senate Bill 19, which would put the governor's plan into effect.
- While supporters of the plan say it could provide cheaper medication without undue government interference in business, critics charge that it doesn't go far enough.
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