Statement by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) on proposed discount card by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)

February 28, 2002

The pharmaceutical industry shares the goal of expanded access to medicines for America’s seniors, which is why we so strongly support adding a prescription drug benefit to the Medicare program.  In the coming days, our member companies look forward to learning more about the new discount card proposal just unveiled.  There’s no question that medicines, which help reduce hospitalizations, nursing home admissions and surgeries, are the best value in health care today and often offer the greatest hope for a longer, healthier life.  With more than 1,000 new medicines in development today, America’s pharmaceutical companies will continue to push the frontiers of science so that we can help patients of all ages.