It should not have taken a catastrophic hurricane to get Congress to stop buying Viagra and other erectile dysfunction drugs for Medicaid and Medicare patients. But this week’s action, as part of post-Katrina legislation to help the poor and unemployed in hard-hit states, will serve the budget deficit by saving $690 million over five years. States can still subsidize these drugs on their own in cases deemed medically necessary, but as Senate Finance Committee Chairman Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, said, “taxpayers shouldn’t have to pay for certain lifestyle prescription drugs through Medicare and Medicaid.”
Posted by Rhonda Holman
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19 Comments
Rhonda
Hard to believe but true, and especally, hard on the taxpayer.
Signed: Woody Woodpecker
Let’s face it; Viagra is probably the quintessential recreational drug to date!That said, the state spends money on all sorts of things with less benefit than Viagra. How ’bout targeting those first?
Taxpayers shouldn’t have to shoulder the cost of this drug for Medicaid recipients who can’t afford to support themselves, much less support the children they could produce with the help of this drug. And anyone on Medicare is too old to have sex anyway. LOL
Politicians should not be the only persons funded with state aid to walk around and stiff the American Public! Older Americans worked hard all their life. They deserve dignity in their later years.
We Americans are a proud people. Older Americans should be allowed to fly their flag with their pole fully extended. If we can not be patriotic and support our senior citizens, many who waged war for America over seas, then it is simply un-american to not fully supply viagra to our seniors. They all worked hard to build a future for everyone in our country. If I can not do it for the “Stars and Stripes” ……. I will have to move else where!
Uncle Sam America
Rhonda: Senator Robert J. Dole is a proud Kansan and true American hero. So, why did you choose to use his photo with your blog regarding paying for Viagra by Medicare and Medicaid? I haven’t read anywhere that Mr. Dole supports this.
Point #2. As a senior citizen, I believe the current push to pay for prescription drugs for the elderly through Medicare is one step away from selling hard drugs on street corners. America is already overdosed on prescription drugs. In my opinion, little care is taken to avoid mixing prescriptions with dangerous side effects.
Point #3. The chemical industry is perhaps this country’s most profitable industry. Certainly, on the basis of weight and volume, prescription medicine takes the prize.
If Viagra helps a retiree to feel good and be productive in later life I’m for it. I know an older gentleman who makes a couple of bucks on the side renting himself out as a flagpole for special occasions.
JWink,Bob Dole is a spokesman for the company that makes Viagra. He has been treated with the medication.
He is proof that some Republicans have a sense of humor.
You are right, medications do have too high a profit margin – 35% is the figure I hear bandied about. The Pharmaceutical companies pay more money for advertising than research. Having said all of that, their medications are undoubtedly improving the quality of life for many and the longevity of many also — that is, if people can afford it.
Health care reform is long overdue and should be something more than health savings accounts touted by our commander ‘n thief.
Dear professional Politician Dole
You sent us to fight and defend you …. all the while you took favors from all the special interest groups. We were out in a fox hole and you were sticking it to us taking money from oil companies and drug companies. Americans stand up and don’t let the politicians send us down the river with out even a a boat to float.
SignedTired of being Ben D. OverSgt Rambo
IT IS A LAUGHING MATTER TILL THEY TAKE YOURS AWAY! Thank God I still have ole pumpy here.
A Study shows:
When taken a bedtime Viagra works well to keep seniors from rolling out of bed.
I think was instigated by our Mayor Mayans to keep our city from being overrun by horny senior citizens. lol
You know, I know, and the American people know, Bob Dole needs wood.
It’s fine for male seniors to get help with their “flagpoles”, just don’t make me pay for it!! My money is better spent on education, helping the disabled, good roads, etc.
I just can’t seem to get it up for an argument concerning this blog!
Typical JM! Everyone knows that most men think with the little head, not the big one. LOL
Since when is it the government’s responsibility to ensure it’s citizens have a quality sex life? And how many of you insist that you don’t want the government in your bedroom?
Ah, what a discussion! I hope I can “rise” to the occasion.Then again, maybe not. I guess I’ll just “limp” away from this conversation.
LOL!!!