THE SENATE	S.R. NO.	47
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2007
STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE RESOLUTION

urging the united states senate to pass H.R. 4, known as the medicare prescription drug price negotiation act of 2007.

     WHEREAS, there is currently a measure before the United States Senate, H.R. 4, to amend part D of title XVIII of the Social Security Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate lower covered part D drug prices on behalf of Medicare beneficiaries; and

     WHEREAS, the measure passed the United States House of Representatives on January 12, 2007; and

     WHEREAS, this measure will save taxpayers money and result in lower costs for those who need the prescriptions by providing an advocate to negotiate the drug prices on their behalf; and

     WHEREAS, this measure will not interfere with the free market system or adversely affect pharmaceutical companies, many of which have reaped large profits from the addition of millions of people who have recently signed up for part D prescription drug coverage; and

     WHEREAS, data provided by AARP Hawaii indicates that half of all of the people in Hawaii, particularly those age fifty years and older and those with lower incomes, are concerned about being able to afford prescription drugs; and

     WHEREAS, over half of Hawaii residents who take prescription drugs on a regular basis report that their drug costs present a financial burden; and

     WHEREAS, nearly one-third of Hawaii residents who take prescription drugs on a regular basis report taking at least one significant cost‑reducing measure to pay for their medications; and

     WHEREAS, the United States Senate should pass H.R. 4 in an effort to help make prescription drugs more affordable and accessible to Medicare beneficiaries in Hawaii and across the nation; now, therefore,

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-fourth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2007, that the United States Senate is urged to pass H.R. 4, known as the Medicare Prescription Drug Price Negotiation Act of 2007; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the United States Congress is urged to support legislation, in general, that will result in lower covered part D drug prices for Medicare beneficiaries; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States, the Majority Leader of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of Hawaii's Congressional delegation.

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title: 

Medicare Prescription Drugs