skip to main content
skip to newscasts

Thursday, September 19, 2024

Public News Service Logo
facebook instagram linkedin reddit youtube twitter
view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

U.S. gender wage gap grows for first time in a decade; Trump has embraced NC's Mark Robinson, calling him 'Martin Luther King on steroids'; Volunteers sought as early voting kicks off in MN; Women's political contributions in congressional races fall short of men's.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Rising threats of political violence, a Federal Reserve rate cut, crypto industry campaign contributions and reproductive rights are shaping today's political landscape.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

Report: Medicare Negotiation Rights Worth $226 Million to WV

play audio
Play

Tuesday, April 17, 2007   


Bargaining rights are worth at least $226 million for West Virginia. That's according to a new report from the Institute for America's Future, which calculated the savings for each state if Medicare had permission to negotiate with medicine companies for better prices, just like the Veteran's Administration does. It's an idea opposed by the pharmaceutical industry, which says regular market competition works best. The report also found the savings nationwide would potentially be $30 billion a year. Ted Boettner with West Virginia Citizen Action Group says allowing negotiation is a fiscal responsibility, and a responsibility to seniors.

"Price negotiation helps America keep its commitment to quality, affordable health care, guaranteeing Americans on Medicare access to the medicines they need."

The Medicare Part D law specifically bars the government from negotiating better prices for common medicines, which is something that the Veteran's Administration does now. Pharmaceutical companies say regular market competition will keep prices low.

Boettner believes from the standpoint of human needs, we should do everything possible to keep medication prices low.

"So many of our seniors in West Virginia and around this country, have to choose between getting drugs or getting food to eat."

The Senate may vote on the issue next week. The report is at www.ourfuture.org.


get more stories like this via email

more stories
Recipients of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Grant can now access funding to drive financing for thousands of climate-focused and clean energy initiatives. (bilanol/Adobe Stock)

Environment

play sound

Michigan's most vulnerable communities are receiving federal funding to fight the devastating effects of climate change. It's part of the $27 billion …


Environment

play sound

A new report contends fossil fuel funding has biased Columbia University's climate research. The report, by two Columbia students, shows the …

Social Issues

play sound

An Alabama woman is on a mission to help people who've been incarcerated for decades successfully transition back into society. The mission to …


So far in 2024, community health centers in North Dakota have screened 11,580 patients for food insecurity. Through those screenings, more than three thousand box meals have been distributed. (Adobe Stock)

Social Issues

play sound

September is Hunger Action Month. In North Dakota, it isn't just food banks trying to help underserved populations get nutritious items. Health …

Environment

play sound

Marine biologists conducting deep dives near five California islands are collecting data they hope will strengthen the case for ending gillnet fishing…

AI queries require about 10 times the electricity of traditional internet searches and the generation of original music, photos and videos requires much more, according to the Electric Power Research Institute. (Adobe Stock)

Environment

play sound

Researchers at Iowa State University are taking aim at the huge amount of energy used by data centers, now and in the future. They have developed a …

Environment

play sound

Rising demands for clean energy efficiency are producing a wealth of work opportunities in Illinois. These in-demand jobs are also promoting a …

Social Issues

play sound

Like polling from other battleground states, the race for the White House remains close in Wisconsin. But fresh numbers out this week show some …

 

Phone: 303.448.9105 Toll Free: 888.891.9416 Fax: 208.247.1830 Your trusted member- and audience-supported news source since 1996 Copyright © 2021