Reps. Farhat, Brandenburg, Clack, Ehardt, Garfield, Hoogendyk, Huizenga, Julian, Kooiman, Meyer, Minore, Mortimer, Newell, Nitz, Palmer, Pappageorge, Sak, Shackleton, Shaffer, Sheltrown, Shulman, Stallworth, Stewart, Taub, Tobocman, Vagnozzi, Vander Veen, Voorhees, Zelenko, Dennis, Ruth Johnson, Plakas, Richardville, Stahl, Gleason, Murphy and Phillips offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 176.

            A resolution to memorialize the Congress of the United States to enact legislation to establish a prescription drug benefit within Medicare.

            Whereas, In recent years, the rising costs of prescription medications have created a growing burden for America's senior citizens.  An increasing number of our people cannot afford the medications they need to live and function.  This situation is harmful not only to a large segment of our population, but to our entire health care system; and

            Whereas, Since prescription medications contribute significantly to public health by minimizing the need for far more costly services, including hospitalization, the current Medicare program is not nearly as effective as it could be in helping our senior citizens protect their health and well-being.  The overall ramifications of this problem are amplified by the realization that the first waves of baby boomers are now reaching retirement age; and

            Whereas, Although health care is a challenge that includes a wide range of factors, it is essential that a prescription drug benefit be established within Medicare.  For those men and women currently grappling with the difficulties of paying for medicines they need, adding this benefit will provide immediate relief and help them maintain their health.  For their families and our entire country, this is a program that needs to be put in place swiftly; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we memorialize Congress to enact legislation to establish a prescription drug benefit within Medicare; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.