Showing posts with label and Medicare. Show all posts
Showing posts with label and Medicare. Show all posts

Saturday, September 30, 2017

Seniors, Elections, DACA, NFL, Tom Price, Puerto Rico, Tax Reform, health care, Environment, Medicare, Homeland Security, Hemp, Fire Fighters

The Ponder News
September 30, 2017

(If you are receiving this via email, you may access all the links at:
http://thepondernews.blogspot.com/2017/09/seniors-elections-daca-nfl-tom-price.html )

Daily Quote:
Just because the numbers say one thing doesn't mean one number can't change everything. -- Shonda Ponder, editor

Seniors


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REPS. FRANKEL, ROS-LEHTINEN INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN BILL TO PROTECT SENIORS DURING NATURAL DISASTERS
Lois Frankel (D-FL, 22nd)

Representatives Lois Frankel (FL-21), and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-27) introduced a bipartisan bill, the Protecting Seniors During Disasters Act, to analyze how senior citizens and nursing home residents can be better cared for during natural disasters. Senators Bill Nelson and Marco Rubio introduced a companion bill in the Senate.
Read more...

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Elections


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Rep. Trent Franks Reacts to AL Senate GOP Primary Results
Trent Franks (R-AR, 8th)

"This election is nothing but a rebuke of business-as-usual by the Senate and the arcane, extra-Constitutional filibuster that Democrats use to turn Republican bills into left-wing gobbledygook then force it down the throat of the American voter."
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DACA


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Rep. Gabbard on Twitter: Empowering DACA Recipients in Hawaii
Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI, 2nd)

1/Congress must pass permanent solution to #DACA. Young ppl brought to the US as minors through no choice of their own should not be deported
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REPS. ROYBAL-ALLARD, LUJAN GRISHAM, GUTIÉRREZ STATEMENT ON OCTOBER 5TH DACA DEADLINE
Luis Gutierrez (D-IL, 4th)

“The Trump Administration first rescinded DACA, upending the lives of nearly 800,000 Dreamers, young patriots who have done everything right. Then, DHS proceeded to issue an unrealistic and arbitrary DACA renewal deadline of October 5th. This meant that 154,000 Dreamers had 30 days to find legal assistance, fill out renewal paperwork and pay a $495 fee or risk losing their status and getting deported. DHS has not done any outreach or provided support to these 154,000 Dreamers to ensure they can meet this unrealistic deadline and keep their status. Instead, DHS Acting Secretary Duke has chosen to undermine DACA renewal efforts by creating more fear by stating that DACA recipient data can be shared with ICE.
Read more...

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NFL


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Gaetz Tells NFL Tax Breaks to Take a Knee
Matt Gaetz (R-FL, 1st)

The NFL League Office has received a special tax carveout since 1966, when the tax code first listed “professional football leagues” as trade organizations. Though individual teams are not tax-exempt, the NFL League Office is. They are responsible for the construction and development of new stadiums, paid for with over 6.5 billion taxpayer dollars. Tax-exempt revenues for professional sports leagues are higher than $2 billion. According to the Internal Revenue Service, businesses that conduct operations for profit on a “cooperative basis” should not qualify for tax-exempt treatment, yet a special exemption is made for professional football leagues.
Read more...

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Tom Price


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Rep. Ruben Gallego Statement on the Possible Firing of HHS Secretary Tom Price
Ruben Gallego (D-AZ, 7th)

“There is a culture of corruption in the Trump administration. Whether it’s unqualified hacks like Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke spending taxpayer money on private jet flights in the Caribbean, or otherwise qualified longtime public servants like David Shulkin going to Wimbledon and taking a European river cruise on the people’s dime, the dishonesty and depravity is pervasive.
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HHS Secretary Tom Price resigns amid criticism for taking charter flights at taxpayer expense
Washington Post

Tom Price, President Trump’s embattled health and human services secretary, resigned Friday amid sharp criticism of his extensive use of taxpayer-funded charter flights, the White House said.
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Puerto Rico


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Reps. Hunter and Garamendi Raise Concerns Over the Trump Administration’s Decision to Waive the Jones Act

John Garamendi (D-CA, 3rd)

Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-CA) and John Garamendi (D-CA), Chairman and Ranking Member respectively of the Subcommittee on the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, raised concerns over the Trump Administration’s decision to issue a 10-day waiver of the Jones Act to allegedly improve the flow of relief shipments into Puerto Rico. The Jones Act requires that goods traveling between U.S. ports of call be carried on U.S.-made and U.S.-flagged ships and manned by American crews. Contrary to many published reports, adequate domestic shipping capability exists, and waiving the Jones Act requirement will not speed up relief for Puerto Rico.
Read more...

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Tax Reform


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Goodlatte Statement on Tax Reform Framework
Bob Goodlatte (R-VA, 6th)

“It’s been 30 years since the last major tax code overhaul. In that time the tax code as we know it has only grown more complex and unfair. Congress has the opportunity to create a tax system that works for the American people, and it’s important that we act now. The tax reform framework unveiled today is a positive step forward in getting tax reform signed into law that lowers rates for individuals and families and helps level the playing field for American businesses. I look forward to reviewing the legislative text produced by the House Ways and Means Committee as this process continues. We must provide tax relief that creates a simpler, fairer tax code, allows hardworking families to keep more of their money, and encourages businesses to invest in the United States.”
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Rep. Tom Graves Statement on Tax Reform Framework
Tom Graves (R-GA, 14th)

“This framework turns the page on our complicated and broken tax system. It’s simpler, flatter and fairer than the current tax code. It will put more money in the pockets of hard-working Americans. It also promotes economic growth and private-sector job creation by slashing the corporate tax rate – currently the highest in the developed world – and ensuring fair treatment for small businesses. Congress needs to get the final product to the president’s desk as quickly as possible.”
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REP. HARPER STATEMENT ON REPUBLICANS’ UNIFIED FRAMEWORK FOR TAX REFORM
Gregg Harper (R-MS, 3rd)

“Today, with the help of the President, Congress has taken a huge step towards fixing our country’s broken tax code and bringing real reform to middle-class families, small businesses, and Mississippi’s family farms who cannot afford to keep the current system any longer,” said Harper. “This plan is aimed at delivering a simpler, fairer tax system that will create jobs, grow our economy, and deliver much-needed relief to the hardworking men and women who are hurting under the burdensome tax code.”
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Hartzler Statement on Newly Unveiled Tax Reform Plan
Vicky Hartzler (R-MO, 4th)

Our tax reform plan will immediately benefit the average American and small business owner. For example, a farmer can now buy a tractor and immediately expense the cost of this new investment, and the maximum tax rate for small and family-owned businesses will drop down to 25 percent. Families will see an increase in their child deduction tax credit, and most Americans will now be able to fill out their taxes on a paper the size of a postcard. The days of spending hours poring over complicated documents and exemptions will be replaced by a simpler system with much lower taxes for small businesses and the middle class.
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Hensarling Statement on Tax Reform Framework

Jeb Hensarling (R-TX, 5th)

“Texans and Americans are sick of the status quo in Washington. From Mesquite to Rusk, our citizens are crying out for relief from our complicated and onerous tax code. Today, Republicans are answering the call by offering a solution to fix our broken system with meaningful reforms.
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Rep. Hice Comments on Tax Reform
Jody Hice (R-GA, 10th)

“I really like what I’m seeing so far with the tax reform framework,” said Congressman Hice. “This bold, new proposal is just the first step toward creating a system that is both competitive and fair. I’m pleased that it will empower Americans to take home more of their hard-earned paychecks and enable businesses of all sizes to grow and thrive. We're moving in the right direction, and I'm proud to be a part of this long overdue reform effort. As the tax-writing committees continue to flesh out the specific legislation, I look forward to being a partner in the discussion so we can send a final bill to President Trump’s desk as soon as possible.”
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STATEMENT BY CONGRESSMAN BRIAN HIGGINS ON TAX REFORM FRAMEWORK
Brian Higgins (D-NY, 26th)

“Over the past several decades we’ve seen a stark gap between the very wealthy and struggling Americans. The McConnell/Ryan tax proposal only serves to broaden that divide. A plan centered on the failed trickle-down premise delivers greater tax benefits for millionaires at the expense of hard-working middle-class families.
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Higgins Issues Statement on Tax Reform Framework
Clay Higgins (R-LA, 3rd)

It’s been more than three decades since we’ve reformed our tax code. The current 74,608-page federal tax code is outdated and overly complex. American families deserve to keep more of their hard-earned paychecks, and we need bold reform to really grow our economy. That’s what this GOP foundational tax reform framework delivers. Of course, my colleagues and I will engage in vigorous debate regarding details and concerns, and this initial framework will change. However, this cornerstone upon...which we will build...does indeed reflect a fairer, simpler tax code that strengthens our economy, creates job growth, and allows individual Americans, as well as all American businesses, to keep more of what they’ve earned. I strongly support significant reform of our tax code so that everyday American families and small businesses can take charge of their finances and spend, save, or invest however they see fit. I urge all of my colleagues, on both sides of the aisle to come together and get this thing done for all Americans.
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Hill’s Statement on Republicans’ Tax Reform Framework
French Hill (R-AR, 2nd)

“We need a tax code that supports American families while promoting financial growth and giving our businesses the certainty needed to grow, expand, and create jobs for Arkansans and Americans. The tax code and its regulations have grown to over 70,000 pages. There is nothing simple or fair about that. It’s been over 30 years since we’ve made any significant changes to the tax code, and it’s time to deliver a simpler, flatter, and fairer tax system.
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HUDSON SUPPORTS TAX CUTS FOR WORKING PEOPLE
Richard Hudson (R-NC, 8th)

“We can all agree our current tax system is broken and too complex. It shouldn’t be that way. It should be so simple that most Americans can do their taxes on a postcard. The bottom line: fixing our tax code means more money in your pocket, and more jobs."
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Huizenga: Reforming the Tax Code Will Improve the Lives of all Michiganders
Bill Hulzinga (R-MI, 2nd)

“The tax reform framework released today is a positive first step in the effort to deliver much needed tax relief. The next step is to take this framework and meet with local manufacturers, agricultural producers, and families across West Michigan to get their input,” said Congressman Huizenga. “By doubling the standard deduction, low and moderate income families across West Michigan will be able keep more of their hard earned money. By reducing tax rates on small businesses, West Michigan job creators will be able to grow, export more goods, and create good-paying jobs here at home. Lastly, this proposal will help families save for college, purchase a home, or plan for retirement depending on their stage in life. I look forward to working with the President to grow our nation’s middle class as well as our economy by making the tax code simpler, fairer, and more competitive.”
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Hultgren Welcomes Tax Reform Blueprint to Fix Broken Tax Code and Restore Jobs and Hard-Earned Resources to Working Americans
Randy Hultgren (R-IL, 14th)

“Our current tax system does not reflect our workforce or our economy. It is costly and time consuming for individuals and families, and hurts the ability of Americans businesses to grow and create new jobs. We need real reforms that simplify the tax code, lower taxes on all Americans and their families and stimulate job growth,” said Rep. Hultgren. “I am very encouraged by this significant step toward reforming a tax code that for too long has obstructed economic growth in this country.
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Health Care


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Griffith Bill Would Save Taxpayers $3.4 Billion, According to New Study
Morgan Griffith (R-VA, 9th)

“Paying pharmacists what they are promised is only fair. Ending retroactive payment reductions would let pharmacists, especially in rural areas, focus on serving their customers, and, according to the study, it would save the Federal Government billions. Wakely Group Study shows that customers, pharmacists, and taxpayers would all benefit.”
Read more...

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Environment


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Rep. Gene Green Requests Answers Following EPA Report of Dioxin Exposure at the San Jacinto River Waste Pits
Gene Green (D-TX, 29th)

“The health of the people and the communities impacted by Hurricane Harvey are my upmost concern,” said Green. “The San Jacinto River Waste Pits continue to be a threat to public health and the environment for communities near the site. The damage to the cap and exposure of dioxin, a cancer-causing pollutant, in the San Jacinto River is unacceptable. After this announcement, it is clearer than ever, that Administration Pruitt must follow through on the EPA’s recommendations last year and fully remove the waste pits.”
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Homeland Security


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Grijalva: DHS Program Targeting Social Media Data of Immigrants is Orwellian
Raul Grijalva (D-AZ, 3rd)

Rep. Grijalva released the following statement after reports confirmed that the Department of Homeland Security has submitted a new regulation into the Federal Register to begin collecting social media data and histories to add to the files of U.S. immigrants as soon as October 18th. Individuals that will be susceptible to this overreaching surveillance program include permanent residents, naturalized citizens and all other immigrants living in the United States. Rep. Grijalva’s statement also comes after recent revelations that the Department of Justice is seeking the personal information of Facebook users who are “anti-administration activists.”
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Hemp


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Grothman Cosponsors Bill to Legalize Industrial Hemp
Glenn Grothman (R-WI, 6th)

Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah) today joined nine other Republicans and fifteen Democrats as a co-sponsor of Rep. James Comer’s (R-Ky.) Industrial Hemp Farming Act (H.R. 3530). H.R. 3530 amends The Controlled Substances Act to exclude industrial hemp from the definition of marihuana.
Read more...

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Fire Fighters


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REPS. HOYER, PASCRELL, KING, REICHERT, JOHNSON INTRODUCE BILL REAUTHORIZING FIRE SERVICE GRANT PROGRAMS
Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD, 5th)

Each year more than one million fire and emergency services personnel respond to over 30 million emergency calls across the country. This bipartisan legislation would ensure that our over 30,000 fire departments continue to have access to the necessary training, equipment, and staffing to conduct emergency response missions and to continue to reduce community risk.
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Thursday, February 16, 2017

Planned Parenthood, Foster Children, Law Enforcement, Copyright Office, Department of Education, Central America, Pre-Existing Conditions, OIRA, Postal Employees, regulations, Obamacare, ALS, EPA, and Medicare

Legislation was passed on Thursday (February 16) that eliminates an Obama Administration rule prohibiting the redirecting of Title X funding away from Planned Parenthood to health care centers that don’t provide abortions. The bill, H.J. Res. 43, uses the Congressional Review Act to eliminate the ‘midnight rule’ from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that was finalized just two days before the end of President Obama’s second term. That regulation blocks states from diverting Title X family planning grants away from Planned Parenthood to community health centers, county health departments, or other providers. Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12), member of the Congressional Pro-Choice Caucus and steadfast pro-choice advocate, claimed it would restrict a woman’s access to abortion.

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Congresswoman Lawrence introduced H.R. 1069, “The Timely Mental Health for Foster Youth Act”, with five original cosponsors. This bill would require mental health screenings for all children entering foster care. The legislation calls for an initial mental health assessment to take place within 30 days of a child entering foster care with a comprehensive follow-up assessment if deemed necessary.

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On Tuesday, Feb. 14, the Jacksonville City Council voted to amend the city’s human rights ordinances to protect gay and transgender people from discrimination.

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After The Hill reported that the White House Transition Team has proposed a budget blueprint, which would eliminate the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), Representative Sean Patrick Maloney joined local civic and law enforcement officials to call on President Donald Trump to keep his campaign promise to support our law enforcement community and refrain from eliminating the federal Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office. In addition, Rep. Maloney wrote a letter to the President asking him to protect the program. The Department of Justice’s (DOJ) COPS program provides investments to allow state and local police departments to hire police officers, test new strategies, and acquire cutting-edge technology.

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The House of Representatives unanimously passed H.R. 387, The Email Privacy Act. This bill requires the federal government to acquire warrants before accessing an individual’s digital content.

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Congressman Tom Marino (PA-10) and Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27) reintroduced (H.R. 890) the Copyright Office for the Digital Economy Act or the CODE Act. The CODE Act makes several improvements to the copyright office that reflect a consensus across various industries and public interest groups.

These improvements include:

  • Housing the Copyright Office in the Legislative Branch
  • Requiring ongoing technology studies to ensure the office remains current with technology to be more user friendly which includes improving upon the searchable database
  • Establishing an advisory board representing a variety of interests and views tasked with providing the office with candid feedback on the current field of copyright to ensure neutrality and objectivity
  • Technical provisions to ensure a more seamless transition away from the Library of Congress


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    Representative Thomas Massie introduced H.R. 899, a bill to abolish the federal Department of Education. The bill, which is one sentence long, states, “The Department of Education shall terminate on December 31, 2018.”

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    Reps. Michael T. McCaul (R-TX), Norma J. Torres (D-CA) and John R. Moolenaar (R-MI), Eliot L. Engel (D-NY), and Albio Sires (D-NJ), introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives to reaffirm the United States Congress’s commitment to fighting corruption in Central America.

    The resolution states that efforts to fight corruption must remain at the center of U.S. policy in Central America, that the Mission to Support the Fight against Corruption and Impunity in Honduras (MACCIH) and the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG) are important contributions to these efforts, and that the governments of Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador should cooperate with MACCIH and CICIG and the Attorneys General of the region.

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    The Bill, Pre-Existing Conditions Protection Act of 2017, was introduced in the House today.

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    Representative Paul Mitchell (MI-10) introduced the OIRA Insight, Reform, and Accountability Act (H.R. 1009) to strengthen congressional insight and accountability over the regulatory process by putting the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) into statute.

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    Representatives David B. McKinley, P.E. (WV-1) and Gerry Connolly (VA-11) introduced H.R. 942, the Postal Employees Appeal Rights Amendments Act to expand U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) appeals rights to mid-level U.S. Postal Service Management. Under current law, approximately 7,500 USPS employees do not have this protection.

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    U.S. Representative Martha McSally introduced legislation to mandate federal agencies report to Congress about regulations that did not comply with the Congressional Review Act (CRA). According to the text of the CRA, regulations that did not comply with mandated reporting requirements may be subject to overrule by Congress with majorities in both chambers.

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    Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) and Rep. Mark Sanford’s (R-SC) created an Obamacare replacement plan—endorsed by the House Freedom Caucus.

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    Congressmen Seth Moulton (D-MA) and Peter King (R-NY) re-introduced The ALS Disability Insurance Access Act, bipartisan legislation they spearheaded to ensure that amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients are provided vital support and benefits in a more timely manner. The legislation would waive the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) five-month waiting period for people living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

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    Congressman Markwayne Mullin (OK-2) introduced H.J.Res. 59, a Congressional Review Act (CRA) joint resolution that blocks the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Accidental Release Prevention Requirements: Risk Management Programs under the Clean Air Act Rule (RMP rule).

    The Congressional Review Act, passed in 1996, allows Congress to vote to overturn any regulation during a period of 60 days after the regulation was created. Regulations created at the end of the Obama Administration are subject to be overturned, so long as it is within the 60-day “in-session” period of Congress.

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    Congressman Tim Murphy (R-PA) and Congressman Ron Kind (D-WI) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to improve the Medicare Secondary Payer (MSP) statute and clarify its application to the Medicare Prescription Drug (Part D) program.

    The Secondary Payer Advancement, Rationalization, and Clarification (SPARC) Act, replaces ambiguous and uncertain Part D MSP requirements with a simplified, commonsense approach that provides beneficiaries with improved access to the care. The legislation also allows Part D Prescription Drug Plans to recover prescription drug cost deficits more quickly from primary payers.