PAGE A6, KEIZERTIMES, SEPTEMBER 24, 2021
Rep. Schrader instrumental in
shutting down drug cost reform bill
By JOEY CAPPELLETTI
Of the Keizertimes
Keizer’s congressional representa-
tive Kurt Schrader cast a pivotal vote
last week to shut down a bill that would
have allowed the government to nego-
tiate costs of prescription drugs with
pharmaceutical companies.
Schrader’s critics claim large dona-
tions from pharmaceutical companies
infl uenced his vote. Schrader, who rep-
resents the 5th Congressional District
in Oregon, refuted this claim during an
interview with the Keizertimes and said
the bill never had a chance of passing
the Senate anyways.
The bill, known as HR 3 or the
“Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug
Costs Now Act,” would have allowed
the U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services to directly negotiate
the costs of at least 50 of the 125 drugs
that account for the greatest Medicare
spending. The negotiated prices would
have been off ered under Medicare
in addition to most private health
insurances.
The vote, which occured in the House
Energy and Commerce Committee
on Sept. 15, ended in a 29-29 deadlock
after Schrader joined Republicans and
two other moderate Democrats. The tie
meant the bill would not move forward
to the House fl oor.
HR 3 was just one part of the $3.5 tril-
lion reconciliation package Democrats
are trying to pass.
The drug cost reform bill was seen
as one way to fund the package after
a 2019 analysis by the Congressional
Budget Offi ce estimated the bill would
lower Medicare spending by $456
billion.
Schrader’s main issue with the bill is
a pricing index that wouldn’t allow the
negotiated maximum price to exceed
120% of the average price in Australia,
Canada, France, Germany, Japan
and the United Kingdom. Schrader
cited a Congressional Budget Offi ce
Rep. Kurt Schrader visited the Keizertimes office last month.
analysis that said while the bill would
save money, it would also lead to fewer
new medicines for patients.
“The fact that we were the country
that came up with more of the (COVID-
19) vaccines quicker, that is no acci-
dent. That’s because of our ability to
innovate, get things done in a quick
manner,” Schrader said.
When asked why 120% of what inter-
national pharmaceutical companies
make still isn’t enough for that innova-
tion, Schrader said, “There’s no 100%
answer, you know, we’re trying to fi g-
ure this out as we go. We just have the
budget offi ce’s remarks that innovation
would be stifl ed if we did HR 3 like it is.”
FILE PHOTO, Keizertimes
In place of the rejected bill,
Schrader and Rep. Scott Peters (D-CA)
introduced the Reduced Costs and
Continued Cures Act on Sept. 14. The
bill is a more moderate approach to
drug cost reform and would set a $1,200
annual out-of-pocket cap on drug costs
for most seniors. The biggest diff er-
ence, according to Schrader, is that his
Classifi ed Marketplace
DOG WANTED
Seeking mild-mannered adult spayed female dog
for loving home, between 30-50 lbs. Call Duane at
0924
971-388-2660.
SERVICES
Life Alert. One press of a button sends help FAST,
24/7! At home and on the go. Mobile Pendant with
GPS. FREE First Aid Kit (with subscription.) CALL
ONAC
844-395-8106 FREE Brochure.
AT&T Internet. Starting at $40/month w/12-mo
agmt. Includes 1 TB of data per month. Get More
For Your High-Speed Internet Thing. Ask us how to
bundle and SAVE! Geo & svc restrictions apply. Call
us today 1-877-322-1773.
GENERAC Standby Generators provide backup
power during utility power outages, so your home
and family stay safe and comfortable. Prepare
now. Free 7-year extended warranty ($695 value!).
Request a free quote today! Call for additional
terms and conditions. 1-877-557-1912.
ONAC
Portable Oxygen Concentrator May Be Covered by
Medicare! Reclaim independence and mobility with
the compact design and long-lasting battery of
Inogen One. Free information kit! Call 855-839-0752.
ONAC
The Generac PWRcell, a solar plus battery storage
system. SAVE money, reduce your reliance on the
grid, prepare for power outages and power your
home. Full installation services available. $0 Down
Financing Option. Request a FREE, no obligation,
quote today. Call 1-844-989-2328.
ONAC
Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the
most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection.
Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 15% off
Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts.
Call 1-855-536-8838.
ONAC
DIRECTV NOW. No Satellite Needed. $40/month.
65 Channels. Stream Breaking News, Live Events,
Sports & On Demand Titles. No Annual Contract.
No Commitment. CALL 1-833-600-6659.
ONAC
DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual
Insurance Company. NOT just a discount plan, REAL
coverage for 350 procedures. Call 1-844-239-9335
for details. www.dental50plus.com/256118-0219 ONAC
Become a published author! Publications
sold at all major secular & specialty Christian
bookstores. CALL Christian Faith Publishing for
your FREE author submission kit. 1-855-407-5056.
ONAC
DIVORCE $130. Complete preparation. Includes
children, custody, support, property and bills
division. No court appearances. Divorced
in 1-5 weeks possible. 503-772-5295. www.
paralegalalternatives.com legalalt@msn.com. ONAC
DISH Network. $64.99 for 190 Channels! Blazing Fast
Internet, $19.99/mo. (where available.) Switch &
Get a FREE $100 Visa Gift Card. FREE Voice Remote.
FREE HD DVR. FREE Streaming on ALL Devices. Call
today! 1-866-373-9175.
ONAC
HughesNet Satellite Internet - 25mbps starting
at $49.99/mo! Get More Data FREE Off-Peak Data.
FAST download speeds. WiFi built in! FREE Standard
Installation for lease customers! Limited Time, Call
1-888-849-2601.
ONAC
MISCELLANEOUS
DONATE YOUR CAR TO UNITED BREAST CANCER
FOUNDATION! Your donation helps education,
prevention & support programs. FAST FREE PICKUP - 24
HR RESPONSE - TAX DEDUCTION. 1-855-252-2579. ONAC
DONATE YOUR CAR, TRUCK OR BOAT TO HERITAGE
FOR THE BLIND. Free 3 Day Vacation, Tax Deductible,
Free Towing, All Paperwork Taken Care Of. CALL
1-844-533-9173.
ONAC
Sam Goesch
Ins Agcy Inc
Sam Goesch CLU, Agent
3975 River Road N - Keizer, OR
Bus: 503-393-6252 - Web: SamGoesch.com
State Farm , Bloomington, IL
(1211999)