They should have the same type of prescription drug coverage that Congress provides for its members and that most working Americans have. There are bipartisan plans in Congress that would expand prescription drug access for seniors through the private sector without relying on government-mandated price controls and limits on access to medicines that save and improve lives. Almost half of the new drugs used globally today were developed in the United States. Therefore, it is essential to sustain the record of innovation that characterizes America's research-based pharmaceutical companies when making changes to the US health care system. Of the 5,000 to 10,000 compounds screened by a researcher in a pharmaceutical company lab, only one will ever become a medicine.
Price controls reduce revenues and discourage investment.
Meanwhile, industrialized countries with government price controls such as France have seen their pharmaceutical companies wither. There are more than 1,000 new medicines currently in development in the US, including a new generation of more than 350 cancer drugs. The following resources can provide the latest developments on the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit issue, as well as details on how you can learn more to join in the debate. This site is governed solely by applicable U.S. laws and governmental regulations. Please see our Privacy Policy .