Carnahan- GOP blocks drug reform

WASHINGTON -- Senate Democrats say the Republican plan for helping seniors afford prescription drugs would still leave many having to choose between paying bills and buying medicine.

In the Democratic radio address aired Saturday, Sens. Jean Carnahan and Debbie Stabenow argued that Republicans are too interested in protecting big business to back a substantial overhaul of the system.

"The Republican plan simply isn't good enough," said Carnahan, D-Mo. "Under the plan, a senior who pays $5,000 a year for prescription drugs would have to foot 86 percent of the bill. That's hardly better than no plan at all."

Stabenow, D-Mich., said Americans should have access to prescription drugs from Canada, where they cost an average of 60 percent less.