But given the issue's popularity among voters, it undoubtedly will remain high on Congress' agenda once the election is over. One of Roth's options resembles the House's private-sector approach. A second option, which is Roth's original proposal, sets up a government-run drug benefit within the existing Medicare program. The third option would create a benefit for low-income seniors, but Roth wants Congress to consider it only if lawmakers can't agree on a more comprehensive benefit. Roth expressed some doubts that insurers would offer drug-only plans.
Some insurers have similar concerns.
HIAA remains officially neutral on the House GOP drug plan, a spokesman said. The Republican prescription drug plan is built on the same failed model, DeLauro said. Only the Medicare program can provide seniors with that type of security. But Karen Ignagni, president of the American Assn. of Health Plans, disputed that analysis. Ignagni said a market exists for prescription-only drug plans.