Steve King hates Seniors

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 16, 2005

ERECTION PILLS TO COST GOVERNMENT
NEARLY $2 BILLION OVER NEXT TEN YEARS


WASHINGTON - In a move to seek and destroy areas of government waste, U.S. Congressman Steve King today released results of a study showing that impotence drugs covered by Medicare will cost the federal government nearly $2 billion over the next decade.

Beginning January 1, 2006, erectile dysfunction drugs will be covered by Medicare, under the prescription drug benefit of the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003. The study, conducted by the Congressional Budget Office, shows performance-enhancing drugs covered through Medicare will cost the federal government $730 million over five years and nearly two billion dollars over ten years.

King's Medicare Prescription Drug Sensibility Act, H.R.712, introduced in the House, would ensure resources will be protected for Medicare recipients with true life-savings prescription needs.

"It's our duty to look for and eliminate useless government spending," said King. "The Medicare system is already strained, and taxpayers shouldn't have to foot the bill for drugs that aren't medically necessary. At the same time, millions of seniors on Medicare need us to use that money to help them get lifesaving drugs."

The 60 Plus Association and the National Taxpayers Union recently endorsed the bill.

"It's my sense that your 'Medicare Prescription Drug Sensibility Act' takes a responsible approach toward ensuring the government does not waste precious financial resources that could be best spent on helping senior citizens live longer, healthier lives," said James L. Martin, President of The 60 Plus Association.

"Although it is a relatively minor expense within the context of this extremely expensive program, there can be no doubt that the Founding Fathers did not envision paying for the sex lives of senior citizens as among the proper activities of the federal government," said John Berthoud, President of the National Taxpayers Union.

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