Senior groups say the bill aids pharmaceutical industry without adequately covering seniors.

The Senate Finance Committee approved legislation last night that the Bush administration says will help all older Americans pay for prescription drugs. The bill will also expand the role of private health plans in treating the nation’s senior citizens.

The measure would offer subsidies to help Medicare’s 40 million recipients buy insurance for medicine or to obtain the same drug coverage through private health plans, such as preferred-provider networks.

A vote on the Senate floor may come as early as next week.

While both Republicans and Democrats have embraced the bill, there are critics among senior citizen groups. We are joined by Phil Mamber is the President of Massachusetts Senior Action Council, an affiliate of the Alliance of Retired Americans.

• Phil Mamber, President, Massachusetts Senior Action Council.

Link:

Massachusetts Senior Action Council