Drug Price Break

* Re “Drug Prices: Reform Still Waiting,” editorial, Dec. 28: On Feb. 1, 2000, an important new California law went into effect that allowed Medicare beneficiaries to walk into a local pharmacy and purchase their prescription medications at the lower rates negotiated by the state for the Medi-Cal program. This bill was authored by state Sen. Jackie Speier (D-Hillsborough) and signed into law by Gov. Gray Davis. To receive the reduced rate, people covered by Medicare simply show their card and prescription to a pharmacy that accepts Medi-Cal patients. (Over 90% of California pharmacies participate.)

We need our president-elect and Congress to take action at the federal level. Most employer plans recognize that prescriptions are preventive and help us avoid costly hospitalizations. This same prevention should be available to Medicare beneficiaries. It’s smart medicine and good common sense.

JOHN PATRICK LUBY

AARP Legislative Representative

Sacramento