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 Preshow- Prescription drugsReturn to index of stories... |
. Seeking affordable solutions to the high cost of prescription drugs! Seniors -- looking to buy from Canada--board buses, go on-line.or use brokers. We'll explore state efforts to LOWER costs. |
| Intro Statehouse Return to index of stories... |
Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to NH Outlook. First, the death penalty, concealed weapons, and ethics -- just some of the controversial issues voted on Thursday at the Statehouse. Richard Ager has this wrapup of some of the day's proceedings. |
| Statehouse Wrap Return to index of stories... |
RICHARD AGER: "IT WAS A TRYING DAY FOR THE HOUSE AS REPRESENTATIVE JOHN KERNS MADE WHAT COULD BE HIS FINAL STATE HOUSE APPEARANCE. ON WEDNESDAY, THE HOUSE ETHICS COMMITTEE RECOMMENDED HIS EXPULSION. TODAY KERNS, ACCOMPANIED BY FORMER STATE REP ROB THOMPSON, TRIED BUT DID NOT GET PERMISSION TO ADDRESS THE HOUSE." Rob Thompson/Former State Representative: "WE HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO SIT DOWN WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF THE SPEAKER'S OFFICE AND WORK OUT A FAIR, HONEST, HONORABLE SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM. OBVIOUSLY WE ALL EXPRESSED OUR CONCERNS THAT MR. KERNS NOT BE THE SECOND MEMBER IN THE HISTORY OF THIS BODY TO BE EXPELLED." RICHARD AGER: "AFTER THAT MEETING KERNS LEFT THE STATE HOUSE." Karen Wadsworth\Clerk - NH House: "THIS IS A LETTER DATED FEBRUARY 19, 2004, TO THE HONORABLE GENE CHANDLER, SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE, DEAR SPEAKER CHANDLER IRKS THIS IS TO INFORM YOU OF MY RESIGNATION FROM THE NEW HAMPSHIRE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY, IT IS BEEN AN HONOR TO SERVE MY CONSTITUENTS AND I THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING, SINCERELY JAY EDWARD KERNS." HOUSE WILL BE IN RECESS. RICHARD AGER: "BUT KERNS' RESIGNATION DID NOT END THE TROUBLES FACING THE HOUSE. THE JURY HAS FOUND THAT A FORMER STATE LEGISLATOR HAD SEXUALLY HARASSED THE SECOND WHO FORMERLY WORKED IN THE SPEAKER'S OFFICE AND THAT THE HOUSE HAD FAILED TO PROTECT HER. THE SAME JURY HAS ORDERED THE FORMER LEGISLATOR AS WELL AS THE LEGISLATURE TO PAY $175,000 IN DAMAGES, AS WELL AS $13,000 IN BACK PAY." Sen. Robert Flanders\R - District 7 - "THIS LAW IS NOT BROKEN. I'VE ONLY BEEN HERE, THIS IS MY FOURTH TIME, WE GO THROUGH IT EVERY SINGLE YEAR. WHERE DO WE STOP?" RICHARD AGER: "IN THE SENATE FEELINGS RAN HIGH AS THE SENATORS DEBATED TWO VERY CONTENTIOUS ISSUES. THE FIRST, A BILL TO ELIMINATE THE REQUIREMENT FOR A PERMIT TO CARRY A CONCEALED WEAPON." Sen. Sylvia Larsen\D - District 15 - "OFTEN TIMES OUR RIGHTS ARE BALANCED WITH RESPONSIBILITIES. OFTEN TIMES, FOR EXAMPLE, WE HAVE THE RIGHT TO VOTE. YET YOU MUST REGISTER TO VOTE. YOU HAVE UNDER THE CONSTITUTION THE RIGHT TO ASSEMBLE. BUT IN MANY CASES, YOU MUST ASK FOR A PERMIT WHEN YOU WANT TO ASSEMBLE IN CERTAIN SPOTS. YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO RUN FOR PUBLIC OFFICE. BUT WE ENCOURAGE THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF FILING FOR OFFICE." RICHARD AGER: "BUT SUPPORTERS OF THE MEASURE OBJECTED TO THE WAITING PERIOD, USUALLY 14 DAYS, FOR PERMITS." Sen. Russell Prescott\R - District 23 - "DURING THAT TIME, THAT IS WHERE THE PROBLEM LIES, IS THE TIME TO WAIT FOR A LICENSE. YOU'RE ASKING SOMEONE TO WAIT WHILE THEY KNOW THEY'RE IN DANGER." RICHARD AGER: "WHILE SIMILAR BILLS HAVE FAILED AND THE NEW HAMPSHIRE POLICE CHIEF OBJECTED TO THIS ONE, THE SENATE PASSED IT 13-10." Chief David Bailey/ Bedford PD - "MY CONCERN IS PEOPLE WILL BE CARRYING GUNS CONCEALED THAT SHOULDN'T BE. A LOT OF OUR WORK IS DONE UNDERAGE DRINKING PARTIES, AND AN 18-YEAR-OLD KID, IF HE'S, WE FIND A CONCEALED WEAPON, THERE'S ABSOLUTELY NOTHING WE CAN DO ABOUT IT. I JUST FEEL IT'S A MINIMUM AMOUNT OF PROTECTION. IT'S NOT TAKING ANYBODY'S CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT AWAY. AND WE HOPEFULLY CAN GO ONTO THE HOUSE AND DEFEAT THIS BILL AND CONTINUE WITH THE SYSTEM THAT SEEMS TO HAVE WORKED GOOD FOR MANY MANY YEARS." RICHARD AGER: "UP NEXT IN THE SENATE, WHETHER TO RAISE THE AGE FOR THE DEATH PENALTY FROM 17 TO 18." Sen. Robert Clegg\R - District 14 - "MY POINT IS SOMEONE COMMITS MURDER, AND UNDER OUR STATUTE IT'S VERY LIMITED, THEN THEY'VE CHOSEN THE PUNISHMENT FOR THEIR VICTIM AND IN MY OPINION THE PUNISHMENT FOR THEMSELVES. I THINK IT'S WRONG. I LISTEN TO THOSE EXPERTS TELL ME HOW SOMEONE 17 YEARS OLD DIDN'T HAVE THE MENTAL CAPACITY TO MAKE A JUDGMENT. YET WE'VE DEBATED IN THESE CHAMBERS ABORTION BILLS OVER AND OVER AND OVER AGAIN, AND YET THEY SUPPOSEDLY HAVE THE ABILITY TO MAKE THAT DECISION." Sen. Clifton Below\D - District 5 - "THE STATE TAKING OF A LIFE DENIES ANY POSSIBILITY OR THE POTENTIAL FOR THAT INDIVIDUAL TO OVERCOME THE EVIL THAT POSSESSED THEM AT ONE POINT, THE POTENTIAL FOR THEM TO ACHIEVE REDEMPTION, FOR THEM TO REFORM THEMSELVES TO CHANGE THEIR SELVES, IF YOU WILL, FOR THEM TO ACHIEVE SALVATION." "SENATOR MORRIS?" "NO." Sen. Tom Eaton - "THE MOTION IS ADOPTED 12-11." Renny Cushing - "WE DON'T ALLOW CHILDREN 18 TO BUY CIGARETTES, TO GO IN THE ARMED SERVICES, TO VOTES, YET WE ARE WILLING TO HAVE THEM PUT DEATH, THAT'S AN INCONSISTENCY THERE THAT YOU SAW REFLECTED ON PEOPLE WHO SUPPORT THE DEATH PENALTY, THEY JUST DON'T WANT TO SEE THE STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE EXECUTING CHILDREN." RICHARD AGER: "THE DEATH PENALTY AND CONCEALED WEAPON PERMIT BILLS NOW GO ONTO THE HOUSE. FOR NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK, I'M RICHARD AGER." Track: The death penalty and concealed weapon permit bills now go on to the House. For NH Outlook, I'm Richard Ager. |
| Speaker Statement Return to index of stories... |
Late today House Speaker Gene Chandler issued a statement saying he was disappointed by the sexual harassment verdict against former state representative Ron Giordano. A jury found him guilty of sexually harassing a secretary and that the House had failed to protect her. The court ordered the House to share a payment of 175-thousand dollars in damages. |
| Intro Prescriptions Return to index of stories... |
As drug costs soar -- a growing number of Americans remain fearful of losing health coverage or not being able to afford it in the future. Most support the legalization of lower-priced medications from Canada. The federal government and U-S drug companies do NOT. As the debate rages on -- those in need turn to CANADA to make their money stretch. |
| Prescription Drugs Return to index of stories... |
BETH CARROLL - "FACED WITH THE EVER GROWING PRICE OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS, SENIORS ON A FIXED INCOME ARE INCREASINGLY BOARDING BUSES TO CANADA. THERE GOVERNMENT PRICE CONTROLS ALLOW THEM TO FILL PRESCRIPTIONS AT A FRACTION OF THE COST. THIS TRIP FROM NEW HAMPSHIRE TWO YEARS AGO WAS SPONSORED BY THE ALLIANCE FOR RETIRED AMERICANS. THOSE UNABLE TO TAKE SUCH TRIPS OFTEN LOG ONTO THE INFORMATION HIGHWAY, HOPING TO CUT THEIR MEDICATIONS COSTS ON THE INTERNET. 79-YEAR-OLD DOROTHY KNOWS HOW EXPENSIVE PRESCRIPTION DRUGS CAN BE. NOW ON BLOOD PRESSURE MEDICATION, DOROTHY SAYS SHE GETS BY WITH THE HELP OF HER FAMILY." Dorothy Kitchell\Lincoln - "I'M ABLE TO PAY THE $358 OR WHATEVER, THANKS TO MY KIDS, FOR GIVING ME CHRISTMAS MONEY AND THINGS LIKE THAT." BETH CARROLL - "WHAT DID YOU SAY TO THEM FOR CHRISTMAS?" Dorothy Kitchell\Lincoln - "I SAID, KIDS, I DON'T WANT ANYTHING, I HAVE ENOUGH THINGS, AND WHAT I NEED IS MONEY FOR MY DRUGS." BETH CARROLL - "WOULD YOU CONSIDER ORDERING THROUGH A CANADIAN PHARMACY TO HELP CUT BACK ON PRICES? Dorothy Kitchell\Lincoln - "WELL, I COULD. YOU KNOW, I DON'T KNOW WHAT ELSE IS GOING TO COME UP THAT I MAY NEED MORE PRESCRIPTIONS FOR. RIGHT NOW IT'S ONLY THE BLOOD PRESSURE. BUT WHO KNOWS." BETH CARROLL - "A RECENT NATIONAL SURVEY, NEARLY ONE-THIRD OF AMERICANS SAY THEY HAVE NOT FILLED PRESCRIPTIONS BECAUSE OF THE COST. 65-YEAR-OLD RUTH WRIGHT IS ONE OF THEM. Ruth Wright\Lincoln - "I HATE TO THINK VERY TO SPEND MOST OF MY MONEY ON MEDICATIONS. I HAVE ELIMINATED ONE PRESCRIPTION BECAUSE I CAN'T AFFORD IT. AND I HATE TO THINK I HAVE TO GIVE UP MORE OF THEM. I HAVE CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE, COPB I'M A DIABETIC WITH GOUT." BETH CARROLL - "HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT GOING ON LINE AND ORDERING CANADIAN DRUGS? Ruth Wright\Lincoln - "NO. I'M COMPUTER ILLITERATE." BETH Carroll: "KAREN STARK, A SOCIAL WORKER WHO ASSISTS THE ELDERLY SAYS THAT'S NOT UNCOMMON." Karen Stark\Social Worker - "AT LEAST A COUPLE TIMES A WEEK, I HAVE SOMEBODY THAT COMES UP TO ME AND ASKS ME IF I CAN HELP THEM GET DRUGS CHEAPER AND FIND OUT A RESOURCE." BETH CARROLL - "WHAT DO YOU TELL THEM?" Karen Stark\Social Worker - "DO I HAVE A COUPLE OF RESOURCES THAT I REFER THEM TO, PATIENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS THAT ARE THROUGH THE DRUG COMPANIES, AND I'VE ALSO TOLD THEM ABOUT PURCHASING DRUGS IN CANADA." Chris Prior\American Drug Company - "I'LL LOOK INTO THIS, AND ACTUALLY I'LL GET YOUR PHONE NUMBER." BETH CARROLL - "ENTER CHRIS PRIOR, WHO OPERATES THE AMERICAN DRUG COMPANY OUT OF NEWINGTON, WHICH HELPS LOCALS BUY CHEAPER DRUGS FROM CANADA." Chris Prior\American Drug Company - "SINGULAIR, BUTIROL, WE HAVE." Ruth Wright\Lincoln - "YOU DON'T HAVE MY NITROGLYCERINE PILLS ON THERE." BETH CARROLL - "DO YOU THINK YOU'LL BE ABLE TO HELP RUTH WITH HER PROBLEM?" Chris Prior\American Drug Company - "I HOPE SO. WHEN I GET BACK TO THE OFFICE I'M GOING TO LOOK AT THE, ALL THE MEDICATIONS SHE'S TAKING, BUT I BELIEVE SHE SAID THAT SHE CURRENTLY HAS SOME PRESCRIPTION DRUG COVERAGE. SO WE MIGHT NOT BE ABLE TO HELP, IT'S QUITE A LAUNDRY LIST OF MEDICATION SHE WAS TAKING. WE DON'T WORK WELL IN EVERY CIRCUMSTANCE, AND THAT'S WHY I'M JUST TRYING TO GET THE WORD OUT, AND IF I KNOW THAT A MEDICATION IS GOING TO COST LESS AT THE LOCAL PHARMACY, BY ALL MEANS, I'M TELLING PEOPLE ABOUT THAT." BETH CARROLL - "AS HE CRISSCROSS TESS STATE TO GET THE WORD OUT ABOUT HIS OUTLET, PROVIDE OR IS REPEATEDLY ASKED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF REIMPORTED DRUGS FROM CANADA?" Chris Prior\American Drug Company - "THE PHARMACY I DEAL WITH IS REGISTERED WITH THE MANITOBA PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION AND IS REGULATED BY HEALTH CANADA WHICH IS THE COUNTER PART TO THE F.D.A. SO IF YOU'RE A CANADIAN CITIZEN FOR EXAMPLE YOU'D BE WALKING IN OFF THE STREET AND GOING TO THIS PHARMACY AND RECEIVING THE MEDICATION, SO IT IS ALL APPROVED BY HEALTH CANADA." RIGHT, BUT BECAUSE WE'RE NOT CANADIANS THEY'RE NOT GOING TO CARE ABOUT OUR HEALTH AS MUCH AS A CANADIAN. Chris Prior\American Drug Company - "RIGHT, I UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU'RE SAYING. THE ONLY GUARANTEE I CAN GIVE YOU IS THAT THE ETHICS OF THE FARM A SIT THAT I DEAL WITH, THEY ARE GOING TO BE SUPPLYING, YOU KNOW, THE AMERICAN CITIZENS THAT ARE PURCHASING THE MEDICATION THROUGH US. THE SAME AS THOUGH YOU WERE A CANADIAN CITIZEN. WE'RE SAVING ON AVERAGE 30 TO 50% OFF FROM THE COST OF THESE MEDICATIONS. SO IN ONE EXAMPLE, A WOMAN WAS TAKING FOUR MEDICATIONS AND OVER THE COURSE OF THE YEAR, WE'RE GOING TO SAVE HER $1200 OFF FROM HER COSTS." BETH CARROLL - "IT'S THOSE KIND OF NUMBERS THAT ATTRACT POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS TO HIS KIOSK AT THE NEWINGTON MALL. DO YOU FIND THAT YOU GET MOSTLY SENIORS OR DO YOU GET A LOT OF YOUNG PEOPLE CHECKING AS WELL?" Chris Prior\American Drug Company - "IT'S A MAJORITY SENIORS THAT ARE ON MEDICARE THAT DON HAVE ANY ADDITIONAL PRESCRIPTION COVERAGE, ALTHOUGH WE ALSO SEE A LOT OF MIDDLE AGED FOLKS THAT MIGHT BE SELF EMPLOYED THAT DON'T HAVE THE MEDICAL COVERAGE AS WELL." BETH CARROLL - "65-YEAR-OLD JULIA STOPPED BY TO HEAR MORE ABOUT THE AMERICAN DRUG COMPANY'S PRICE LIST." Julia DeCaprio\York, ME - "MY HUSBAND IS IN THE PROCESS OF FINDING OUT WHERE TO FILL HIS PRESCRIPTION THAT HE JUST RECEIVED FROM HIS DOCTOR. THIS WILL BE THE FIRST PRESCRIPTION HE'S HAD TO FILL SINCE HE'S GONE ONTO MEDICARE, AND WE ARE UNABLE TO GET REASONABLE DRUG COVERAGE IN MAINE." BETH CARROLL - "YOU'RE GOING TO CHECK THIS OUT AND SEE IF THIS WILL HELP YOU OUT?" Julia DeCaprio\York, ME - "YES, YES. I'M SO HAPPY, I CAME HERE TO GET HIM A VALENTINE'S GIFT." BETH CARROLL - "THIS COULD BE IT." Julia DeCaprio\York, ME - "YEAH, THIS COULD MAKE HIM VERY HAPPY." BETH CARROLL - "IN RECENT MONTHS SIMILAR OUTLETS HAVE BEEN SHUT DOWN BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. ANXIOUS TO STOP THE ILLEGAL FLOW OF DRUGS FROM CANADA. BUT PROVIDE OR REMAINS UNDAUNTED." Chris Prior\American Drug Company - "IF I CAN RUFFLE A FEW FEATHERS AND MAKE PEOPLE STAND UP AND TAKE ACTION, THEN I THINK I'VE DONE MY JOB." BETH CARROLL - "ARE YOU READY FOR THE LONG HAUL?" Chris Prior\American Drug Company - "I'M IN UNTIL SOMEONE DECIDES TO SHUT ME DOWN." |
| Intro Squires Return to index of stories... |
Joining us to talk more about prescription drugs - Dr. Jim Squires - a former state senator and president of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health. |
| Squires Discussion Return to index of stories... |
Dr. Jim Squires\President, NH Endowment for Health - "NO, I DO NOT. THE MEDICARE BILL IS GOING TO SURPRISE A GREAT NUMBER OF SENIORS BECAUSE IT DOES NOT COVER ALL DRUGS, IT DOESN'T COVER ALL THE COSTS, SO PEOPLE ARE GOING TO RECOGNIZE THAT THEY REALLY DON'T GET COVERAGE UNTIL, IN SOME INSTANCES THEY'LL PAY SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS OUT OF POCKET. AND THEN THE COVERAGE WILL BEGIN TO BECOME EFFECTIVE." BETH CARROLL - "SO IT'S ONLY GOING TO GET WORSE. SO WE'RE SEEING MORE AND MORE PEOPLE THAT ARE TAKING THE BUSSES TO CANADA OR GOING ON LINE, MAIL ORDER DRUGS, IS THAT SOMETHING YOU THAT YOU FEEL INDIVIDUAL CAN SAFELY DO?" Dr. Jim Squires\President, NH Endowment for Health - "I'M NOT AWARE OF ANY STUDY THAT SHOWS A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF ILLNESS IN CANADA DUE TO ELICIT OR BLACK MARKET DRUGS. THERE WAS TESTIMONY IN THE STATE HOUSE THIS WEEK THAT SAID THERE WAS A GREAT CHANCE OF DAMAGE, MAINLY FROM BLACK MARKET DRUGS. THAT WAS SPONSORED BY THE PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY, SO ONE HAS TO RAISE THE QUESTION OF OBJECTIVITY. BUT THERE'S ALWAYS A CHANCE. I THINK THERE'S PROBABLY A CHANCE OF ORDERING OVER THE INTERNET OF DRUGS IN AMERICA. SO THE BEST PREVENTION IS TO GO TO A FARM CYST THAT YOU CAN HAVE A CONVERSATION WITH. BUT IN THE END I THINK THE CANADIAN APPROACH WILL BE KIND OF AN ENRON, A SUPERFICIAL A FACT ON THIS MAJOR PROBLEM." BETH CARROLL - "EVERYONE LOVES TO HATE THE DRUG INDUSTRY BECAUSE THEY MAKE SUCH TREMENDOUS PROFITS, BUT IN TRUTH THEY DO HAVE SOME SKOUNL PROGRAMS AND THEY DO GIVE FREE SAMPLES TO DOCTORS, SO THEY ARE DOING SOMETHING AS FAR AS HELPING THE HIGH COST OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS, BUT SO MANY PEOPLE ARE CRITICAL OF THAT PRACTICE AS WELL. SAYING THAT SOMETIMES THESE FREE SAMPLES ARE ACTUALLY JUST AN INDUCEMENT FOR DOCTORS TO WRITE OUT PRESCRIPTIONS." Dr. Jim Squires\President, NH Endowment for Health - "I THINK THAT'S CORRECT. I THINK THAT PHYSICIANS AND OTHER PROVIDERS GET A GREAT DEAL OF INFORMATION FROM PHARMACEUTICAL REPRESENTATIVES. IT'S DIFFICULT TO KEEP UP WITH ALL OF THE NEW DRUGS AND THE COMPLEXITYS OF INTERACTIONS AND SO FORTH. SO IT'S A NATURAL, I SUPPOSE, TO USE THINGS, A, THAT YOU THINK ARE EFFECTIVE AND HAVE BEEN FOR YOU, OR B, THAT ARE BEING DEMANDED BY THE PATIENT, WHICH IS A WHOLE OTHER PROBLEM." BETH CARROLL - "IN THE EVER TO MAKE DRUGS MORE AFFORDABLE, GOVERNOR BENSON ANNOUNCED THIS WEEK THAT HE WOULD BE SEEKING PERMISSION FROM THE GOVERNMENT TO POOL WITH OTHER STATES, ALLOWING THEM TO STRIKE BETTER DEALS WITH PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES TO LOWER DRUG PRICES FOR MEDICAID PATIENTS." Dr. Jim Squires\President, NH Endowment for Health - "WELL, IT HELPS THOSE THAT CAN'T AFFORD THEIR OWN PRESCRIPTION DRUG INSURANCE AT THIS POINT IN TIME. BUT LONGER TERM AARP SUPPORTS IT SO IT MAY HELP OUR SENIORS, IT MAY AS I MENTIONED BRING A, TO OTHER PORTIONS OF THE POPULATION TO START SAVING MONEY. BUT TO STAR WITH IT'S FOR UNDER INSURED AND LOW INCOME." BETH CARROLL - "HOPES TO SAVE 15 MILLION WITH THE DRUG POOLING PLAN. IS IT A GOOD IDEA?" Dr. Jim Squires\President, NH Endowment for Health - "IT'S CERTAINLY A GOOD IDEA. CONCEPT ACTUALLY. WHETHER OR NOT IT'S ACTUALLY POSSIBLE IS ANOTHER QUESTION. BUT BULK PURCHASING, I MEAN THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT USES BULK PURCHASING TO GET PHARMACEUTICALS, TO SOME EXTENT COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS DO. SO CONCEPTUALLY IT'S ALL RIGHT. WHETHER IT IS, A, IS FEASIBLE, AND B CAN RESULT IN THE MAGNITUDE OF COST SAVINGS THAT HE'S PROPOSING IS AN IMPORTANT QUESTION. BECAUSE IF YOU LOWER THE PHARMACEUTICAL PROFIT OP WHATEVER DRUGS ARE SELLING TO THE STATE, THEN THEY HAVE TO RAISE THEM FOR SOMEONE ELSE, I. E. THOSE THAT ARE PAYING FOR THEM THEMSELVES. SO IN A SENSE IT'S ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF A SHIFTING OF THE COSTS, IN THIS CASE FROM THE STATE ONTO THE COMMERCIAL CARRIERS WHO OFFER HEALTH INSURANCE." BETH CARROLL - "IS THE STATE DOING ENOUGH TO HELP THOSE UNABLE TO PAY THESE HIGH COSTS?" Dr. Jim Squires\President, NH Endowment for Health - "YOU GET A VARIETY OF DIFFERENT POINTS OF VIEW ON THAT. BUT I THINK NOT. OTHERS THINK THEY ARE. IT IS A VERY COMPLICATED ISSUE, HOWEVER, BECAUSE THE ABILITY OF THE STATE TO CONTROL SAY SUCH THINGS AS THE NUMBER OF PRESCRIPTIONS THAT PATIENTS ARE TAKING, THE INABILITY OF A PATIENT TO HAVE A COORDINATOR THAT REALLY UNDERSTANDS ALL THEIR MEDICATIONS, WHY SOME PATIENTS TAKE, WELL NEXEUM IS AN OFTEN CITED EXAMPLE, THERE'S NOT A LOT OF DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NEXIUM AND THE PROPRIETOR TAER DRUG PRILOSEC WHICH PRECEDED IT, EXCEPT YOU CAN TAKE NEXIUM ONCE A DAY. BUT THE DIFFERENCE IN COST IS SOMETHING LIKE $33 FOR NEXIUM, SO -- $3. ONE OF THE REASONS IS THAT PATIENTS DEMAND IT ON THE BASIS OF THEIR, WHAT YOU SEE EVERY NIGHT ON TELEVISION. THAT THIS IS THE PURPLE PILL AND IF YOU TAKE THIS, LIFE IS GOOD, YOUR ESOPHAGEAL EROSIONS DISAPPEAR IF YOU HAVE ANY. AND SO ON. SO THERE ARE MANY DRUGS LIKE THAT, THAT I THINK ARE BEING SOLD TO THE PUBLIC MORE ON HYPE THAN DEMONSTRATIVE SUPERIORITY OVER THE DRUG IT'S REPLACING OR THE PROPRIETARY DRUG." BETH CARROLL - "I KNOW THERE'S NO QUICK FIX, BUT AS A FORMER STATE LAWMAKER AND AS A DOCTOR, IF THERE'S ONE THING YOU'D LIKE TO SEE ALLEVIATE THIS PROBLEM WHAT WOULD IT BE?" Dr. Jim Squires\President, NH Endowment for Health - "I THINK THE STATE COULD CERTAINLY THROUGH A SERIES OF PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS TRY TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC ABOUT THIS WHOLE ISSUE OF WHAT DRUG WORKS, WHY NOT HAVE THE PATIENT ASK FOR THE LEAST EXPENSIVE DRUG, INSTEAD OF SURRENDERING THEIR PARTICIPATION THAT IS TO, WELL, I'LL TAKE WHATEVER THE PHYSICIAN THINKS. I THINK PHYSICIANS THROUGH THE MEDICAL SOCIETY AND OTHERS COULD BE MUCH BETTER EDUCATED TO TRY TO UNDERSTAND THE COSTS OF MEDICATIONS, WHICH ARE PHENOMINAL, AND IN THE MEDICAID POPULATION WE NEED TO, I THINK, SUPPLY MORE PUBLIC SUPPORT TO PROGRAMS THAT ARE HELPING THAT GROUP OF PEOPLE TO PAY FOR THESE COSTS, AS YOUR PROMO SAID INITIALLY, PEOPLE ARE IN FACT CHOOSING FOOD FOR MEDICATIONS, OR VICE VERSA." BETH CARROLL - "WELL, DR. JIM SQUIRES, THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR SHARING YOUR INSIGHTS WITH US. Dr. Jim Squires\President, NH Endowment for Health - "YOU'RE WELCOME." |
| Intro Drugs Return to index of stories... |
For years, just about the only Americans regularly buying drugs in Canada where thrifty gray-haired New Englanders. Now, with state budgets squeezed, it's the nation's governors who are demanding access to Canada's cheap drugs. |
| Drugs SOT #1 Return to index of stories... |
GOV CRAIG BENSON - "IF YOU CAN GET PRESCRIPTION DRUGS FOR, IN SOME CASES TWO THIRDS OR ONE-THIRD OF THE PRICE YOU PAY HERE IN THE UNITED STATES AND YOU'RE ON A FIXED BUDGET WITH NO INCOME, I'M NOT SURE IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE THAT PHARMACISTS IN THE STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE HAVE A JOB. I MEAN, I THINK IT'S YOUR FIRST RESPONSIBILITY IS TO MAKING SURE THAT YOU ARE ABLE TO AFFORD YOUR PRESCRIPTION DRUGS." BETH CARROLL - "AT A HEARING THIS WEEK, REPRESENTATIVE PETER BURLING INTRODUCED A BILL HE SAYS WOULD HELP PHARMACISTS REDUCE DRUG PRICES AT THE SAME TIME, THE MEASURE WOULD SET UP A PHARMACEUTICAL COMMISSION, MUCH LIKE THE LIQUOR COMMISSION, WITH BULK PURCHASING POWER, IT WOULD BUY DIRECTLY FROM CANADA AND SEEM ONLY TO LICENSED RETAIL PHARMACY OUTLETS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE." REP. PETER BURLING - HOUSE MINORITY LEADER - " I SIMPLY SAY LET US USE OUR WITS, AND LET US USE OUR NEW HAMPSHIRE TRADITIONS TO ACHIEVE LOWER DRUG PRICES FOR OUR PEOPLE. I THINK IT'S SOMETHING WE CAN DO. AND I THINK WE OUGHT TO DO IT. AS BUSINESS PICKS UP, OUR ABILITY TO USE VOLUME BUYING WILL FORCE PRICING DOWN. THE MORE WE'RE SELLING AS A WHOLESALER, THE GREATER OUR POWER TO COMMAND LOWER PRICES." |
| Intro Larsen Return to index of stories... |
Senator Sylvia Larsen -- joins us now from a busy day at the statehouse. Senator Larsen chaired a 2-year legislative committee studying prescription drug access. |
| Larsen Discussion Return to index of stories... |
SEN. SYLVIA LARSEN\D - District 15 - "IT'S NOT JUST FOR THE IMPORTATION OF DRUGS FROM CAN DARKS IT'S TO GET THE BEST PRICE DIRECTLY FROM THE MANUFACTURER IF WE CAN DO THAT." BETH CARROLL - "YOU WERE UNABLE TO GET ANY REPUBLICANS TO SIGN ONTO THE BILL AND DOES THAT WORRY YOU AT ALL ABOUT ITS POTENTIAL FOR PASSAGE?" SEN. SYLVIA LARSEN\D - District 15 - "YOU KNOW, WE GOT INTO A DISCUSSION BECAUSE ALL OF US HAVE BEEN WORKING ON HOW WE CAN BRING PRICES TO MORE AFFORDABLE LEVELS FOR NEW HAMPSHIRE RESIDENTS. AND THAT CONVERSATION CAME UP LATE. SO WE IN FACT DREW UP THE BILL AND HAD TO ASK SPECIAL PERMISSION TO WRITE THE BILL IN LATE. SO AS A RESULT THERE WASN'T THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHOP THE IDEA AROUND TO OTHER LEGISLATORS, AND WE ALL SIGNED ON TO IT TOO QUICKLY BECAUSE IT WAS SUCH A GREAT IDEA AND GOT IT INTRODUCED JUST TO GET THE BALL ROLLING. WE HOPE IT GETS BIPARTISAN SUPPORT, IT'S A GREAT IDEA." BETH CARROLL - "HERE'S A NUMBER I KNOW YOU'RE FAMILIAR WITH. 56% OF NEW HAMPSHIRE'S ELDERLY DO NOT HAVE PRESCRIPTION DRUG COVERAGE COMPARED TO 38% WITH THE REST OF THE NATION. WHY DOES NEW HAMPSHIRE HAVE SUCH A LARGE PERCENTAGE OF ELDERLY WITH NO PRESCRIPTION COVERAGE?" SEN. SYLVIA LARSEN\D - District 15 - "YOU KNOW, I DON'T KNOW THE ANSWER TO THAT. I THINK IT MIGHT BE THAT THEY DIDN'T BRING WITH THEM HEALTH BENEFITS FROM THEIR JOBS, MANY PEOPLE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE YOURSELF EMPLOYED OR SMALL BUSINESS EMPLOYED. SO THEY DON'T BRING THOSE PRESCRIPTION BENEFITS PERHAPS AS PART OF ANY, THEY DON'T BRING ANY HEALTH CARE BENEFITS WITH THEM WHEN THEY RETIRE, MANY OF THEM ARE ON MEDICARE, AND MEDICARE AS YOU KNOW DOESN'T COVER PRESCRIPTION DRUGS. SO THAT MAY BE WHY WE HAVE A HIGH NUMBER OF RETIREES IN NARP COMPARED TO OTHER STATES. SO THOSE ARE SOME IDEAS I HAVE, BUT I DON'T KNOW THE DIRECT ANSWER TO THAT." BETH CARROLL - "I KNOW THIS WEEK WE HAD THE PHARMACEUTICAL COMMISSION BILL THAT WAS BEING LOOKED AT. BUT THERE'S A NUMBER OF MEASURES THAT HAVE BEEN PROPOSED TO HELP ALLEVIATE THE PROBLEM." SEN. SYLVIA LARSEN\D - District 15 - "THIS NEW PHARMACEUTICAL COMMISSION IDEA IS A WONDERFUL ONE. WE ALREADY ARE KNOWN AS A STATE WITH LOW PRICE LIQUOR. WHY CAN'T WE BE KNOWN AS A STATE WITH LOW PRICE PRESCRIPTION DRUGS. AND USE THE POWER OF THE STATE TO BE A WHOLESALER TO BRING THE LOWEST, TO REQUIRE OF MANUFACTURERS THAT THEY OFFER TO US AS A STATE THE LOWEST PRICE POSSIBLE. OR BRING SOME IN FROM CANADA IF THAT WOULD BE A WAY TO GET LOWER PRICED PRESCRIPTION DRUGS. SO THOSE WERE SOME CREATIVE IDEAS. WE HAVE THE EXACT SAME STRUCTURE WITH THE LIQUOR COMMISSION, AND WE'RE CLEARLY THE LOWEST PRICED LIQUORS IN THE NORTHEAST IF NOT THE WHOLE EAST COAST. WHY COULDN'T WE DO THAT WITH FARM SUITS CAL PURCHASES AS WELL. SO THOSE WERE SOME OF THE IDEAS WE HAD. AND IT WAS WONDERFUL TO HEAR THIS PHARMACEUTICAL, THE PHARMACISTS OF OUR STATE SAY THIS IS A GREAT IDEA, AND BACK IT AS WELL." BETH CARROLL - "NOW PRESUMABLY THAT SAVINGS WOULD BE PASSED ONTO CONSUMERS?" SEN. SYLVIA LARSEN\D - District 15 - "EXACTLY, EXACTLY, THEY WOULD BE REQUIRED TO PASS ONTO THE CONSUMERS. BUT RIGHT NOW THE PHARMACISTS IN OUR STATE HAVE DIFFICULTY PASSING ON EXTREMELY LOW PRICES BECAUSE THEY CAN'T NEGOTIATE IN BULK, AS EASILY. THEY MIGHT GO TO A WHOLESALER IN ANOTHER STATE, BUT THE BULK PURCHASING THAT THE STATE CAN DO COULD IN FACT BE LARGE ENOUGH THAT YOU HAVE SOME NEGOTIATING POWER. WHEN YOU GO TO A DRUG MANUFACTURER." BETH CARROLL - "IF A CONSTITUENT WERE TO COME UP TO YOU AND SAY I JUST CANNOT STRETCH MY MONEY ENOUGH TO PAY FOR PRESCRIPTION DRUGS, WHAT WOULD YOU ADVICE THEM TO DO?" SEN. SYLVIA LARSEN\D - District 15 - "WELL, WE HAVE SEVERAL PROGRAMS THAT I DIDN'T HEAR MENTIONED FROM SOME OF YOUR OTHER SPEAKERS. THERE IS THE NEW HAMPSHIRE MEDICATIONS BRIDGE PROGRAM, WHICH WAS NOT MENTIONED. THAT IS A PROGRAM AVAILABLE THROUGH, IF YOU READ A HOSPITAL OR MANY PHYSICIANS OFFICES THEY CAN TELL YOU HOW TO REACH THE NEW HAMPSHIRE MEDICATION BRIDGE PROGRAM. THIS IS A FREE GIVE AWAY PROGRAM OFFER FWID DRUG COMPANIES. IT'S VERY DIFFICULT FOR SENIORS TO MANEUVER THROUGH THE APPLICATION PROCESS, SO MANY CONCORD HOSPITAL FOR EXAMPLE MANY HOSPITALS OR DOCTORS OFFICES HELP THE SENIOR MEMBERS OR LOW INCOME PEOPLE APPLY FOR THIS, GIVE AWAY PROGRAM. BUT IT'S A BUN BY ONE STEP THAT'S VERY DIFFICULT FOR PEOPLE TO NEGOTIATE ON THEIR OWN." BETH CARROLL - "IT'S ALSO VERY RESTRICTIVE, ISN'T IT?" SEN. SYLVIA LARSEN\D - District 15 - "IT RESTRICTIVE, OFTENTIMES THEY'LL CHECK YOUR INCOME LEVELS, YOU HAVE TO BE EXTREMELY LOW INCOME. IT'S A DIFFICULT PROCESS. SO IN THE PAST FEW YEARS WHEN I CHAIRED THE COMMITTEE IN THE SENATE AND AS I ATTEND TO NORTHEAST PRESCRIPTION DRUG ALLIANCE OF OTHER STATES, WE'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR WAYS TO MAKE IT AVAILABLE TO A BROADER RANGE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE RESIDENTS, SOME OF THEM HAVE BEEN THOSE, THE IDEA THAT WE WOULD JOIN WITH THE OTHER STATES TO BECOME A PURCHASING POWER THROUGH JOINING WITH OTHER STATES SUCH AS GOVERNOR BENSON HAS MENTIONED, GOVERNOR SHAHEEN PROPOSED THAT AND WE LOOKED INTO THAT A FEW YEARS BACK. IT'S A TRICKY MAZE TO GET THROUGH TO SET UP A PROGRAM SUCH AS THAT. AND ALONG THE WAY WE FREQUENTLY IN THE STATE HOUSE REACH THE ROADBLOCKS OF LEGISLATORS WHO HAVE BEEN LISTENING TO THE PHARMACEUTICAL LOBBYISTS AND HEARING THAT, OH, YOU KNOW, YOU CAN'T DO THAT ONE, THAT WILL HARM, OR WILL BRING IN DRUGS THAT AROUND GOOD FOR YOU. YOU HEAR EVERY ROADBLOCK IN THE WORLD, THAT RESEARCH WILL NOT HAPPEN IF WE GET LOWERED PRICE DRUGS, AND SO IT'S A TRICKY THING TO GET THROUGH THE LEGISLATURE. AND AS A RESULT WE END UP WITH NO PROGRESS AT ALL. THIS PHARMACEUTICAL COMMISSION IS A WONDERFUL IDEA FOR MAKING PROGRESS AND WE'RE HOPING TO GET SOME ENTHUSIASM AND SOME DEVELOP SOME OF THE DETAILS OF THAT." BETH CARROLL - "AND WE KNOW THAT YOU'LL KEEP US POSTED ON THAT FRONT." SEN. SYLVIA LARSEN\D - District 15 - "WE WILL." BETH CARROLL - "SENATOR LARSEN, THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR JOINING US." |
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That concludes our program. For more information and links to our guests and interviews, connect with us on-line at nhptv.org. Join our online discussion and tell us what's on your mind. You can also find streaming video of all our broadcasts. |
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On the next New Hampshire Outlook - Our Friday Edition - with journalists from around the state discussing the week's top stories. We hope you'll join us. I'm Beth Carroll. Thanks for watching. We'll see you next time. |
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Thanks to the Stratford Foundation which has provided continuing major funding for the production of NH Outlook |
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Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook. It's our Friday Edition - Journalists from around the state discuss the week's top stories. Join us tonight at 10:00 only on New Hampshire Outlook. |
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NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 02/19/04 22:00 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 05:30 minutes In this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, Seeking affordable solutions to the high cost of prescription drugs! Seniors -- looking to buy from Canada--board buses, go on-line.or use brokers. We'll explore state efforts to LOWER costs. Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to NH Outlook. First, the death penalty, concealed weapons, and ethics -- just some of the controversial issues voted on Thursday at the Statehouse. Richard Ager has this wrapup of some of the day's proceedings. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Richard Ager NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Rob Thompson\Fmr State Representative, Karen Wadsworth\Clerk - NH House, Richard Ager\NH Outlook, Sen. Robert Flanders\R - District 7, Sen. Sylvia Larsen\D - District 15, Sen. Russell Prescott\R - District 23, Chief David Bailey\Bedford PD, Sen. Robert Clegg\R - District 14 Sen. Clifton Below\D - District 5, Renny Cushing\Murder Victims' Families for Reconciliation |
| key: Crime/ Legal Issues/ Law Enforcement Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 02/19/04 22:00 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 05:30 minutes In this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, Seeking affordable solutions to the high cost of prescription drugs! Seniors -- looking to buy from Canada--board buses, go on-line.or use brokers. We'll explore state efforts to LOWER costs. Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to NH Outlook. First, the death penalty, concealed weapons, and ethics -- just some of the controversial issues voted on Thursday at the Statehouse. Richard Ager has this wrapup of some of the day's proceedings. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Richard Ager NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Rob Thompson\Fmr State Representative, Karen Wadsworth\Clerk - NH House, Richard Ager\NH Outlook, Sen. Robert Flanders\R - District 7, Sen. Sylvia Larsen\D - District 15, Sen. Russell Prescott\R - District 23, Chief David Bailey\Bedford PD, Sen. Robert Clegg\R - District 14 Sen. Clifton Below\D - District 5, Renny Cushing\Murder Victims' Families for Reconciliation |
| key: Health/ Healthcare Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 02/19/04 22:00 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 20:00 minutes In this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, Seeking affordable solutions to the high cost of prescription drugs! Seniors -- looking to buy from Canada--board buses, go on-line.or use brokers. We'll explore state efforts to LOWER costs. As drug costs soar -- a growing number of Americans remain fearful of losing health coverage or not being able to afford it in the future.Most support the legalization of lower-priced medications from Canada. The federal government and U-S drug companies do NOT. As the debate rages on -- those in need turn to CANADA to make their money stretch. Joining us to talk more about prescription drugs - Dr. Jim Squires - a former state senator and president of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health. For years, just about the only Americans regularly buying drugs in Canada where thrifty gray-haired New Englanders. Now, with state budgets squeezed, it's the nation's governors who are demanding access to Canada's cheap drugs. Senator Sylvia Larsen -- joins us now from a busy day at the statehouse. Senator Larsen chaired a 2-year legislative committee studying prescription drug access. PRODUCER/REPORTER: NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Dorothy Kitchell\Lincoln, Ruth Wright\Lincoln, Karen Stark\Social Worker, Chris Prior\American Drug Company, Julia DeCaprio\York, ME, Dr. Jim Squires\President, NH Endowment for Health, Craig Benson\NH Governor, Rep. Peter Burling\House Minority Leader, Sen. Sylvia Larsen\D - District 15 |
| key: National Politics/ Government Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 02/19/04 22:00 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 20:00 minutes In this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, Seeking affordable solutions to the high cost of prescription drugs! Seniors -- looking to buy from Canada--board buses, go on-line.or use brokers. We'll explore state efforts to LOWER costs. As drug costs soar -- a growing number of Americans remain fearful of losing health coverage or not being able to afford it in the future.Most support the legalization of lower-priced medications from Canada. The federal government and U-S drug companies do NOT. As the debate rages on -- those in need turn to CANADA to make their money stretch. Joining us to talk more about prescription drugs - Dr. Jim Squires - a former state senator and president of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health. For years, just about the only Americans regularly buying drugs in Canada where thrifty gray-haired New Englanders. Now, with state budgets squeezed, it's the nation's governors who are demanding access to Canada's cheap drugs. Senator Sylvia Larsen -- joins us now from a busy day at the statehouse. Senator Larsen chaired a 2-year legislative committee studying prescription drug access. PRODUCER/REPORTER: NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Dorothy Kitchell\Lincoln, Ruth Wright\Lincoln, Karen Stark\Social Worker, Chris Prior\American Drug Company, Julia DeCaprio\York, ME, Dr. Jim Squires\President, NH Endowment for Health, Craig Benson\NH Governor, Rep. Peter Burling\House Minority Leader, Sen. Sylvia Larsen\D - District 15 |
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Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook. . Tonight at 10pm on New Hampshire Public Television. |
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Have release for: Karen Stark |
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And finally, do you have questions on planning for your retirement? Well free help is just a phone call away. Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine is partnering with the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors to sponsor National Jump-Start your Retirement Days -- a chance to get free financial advice by telephone from the nation's premier financial planners. We had a chance to sit down with financial planner Faye Doria - to get some advice on planning for retirement. |
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And later, jumpstart your retirement with some free financial advice. We'll show you how it works. |
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For information on our program, and links to our guests and interviews, visit our web site at nhptv.org. You can see and hear streaming video of our broadcasts. We want to know what's on your mind. Join our discussion forum and tell us what you're thinking. If you have a story idea or comment on our program, click the feedback button. Or, call us at 800-639-2721. |
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If you'd like to participate in Jump-Start Your Retirement Days there are still two days to call - February 20 and March 5. The toll-free number is 1-888-919-2345. |
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In yet another effort to make drugs more affordable.Governor Benson announced this week he was seeking permission from the government to pool with other states allowing them to strike better deals with pharmaceutical companies to lower drug prices for Medicaid patients. The state spends 140-million dollars a year on medicine for Medicaid patients-- and hopes to save 15-million with the drug-pooling plan. . |