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Senate
Vote Blocks
Medicare from Negotiating Lower Drug Prices
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18, 2007--The US
Senate blocked a proposal that would allow Medicare to
negotiate lower drug prices for its insureds. The bill is a priority for the new Democratic majority in
Congress. Sixty votes were needed to take up the measure.
Fifty-five senators (including six Republicans) supported
a Democratic motion to limit debate and proceed to
consideration of the bill, whilst 42 voted against it. Opponents
argued that private insurers and their agents are already
negotiating large discounts for Medicare beneficiaries. The
New York Times (Free registration required)
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