By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – The Senate has rejected a plan that would provide Medicare prescription drug coverage for seniors.
But following that vote Wednesday, lawmakers immediately passed a smaller drug related bill - the Schumer-McCain Generic Drug bill.
U.S. Senator Charles Schumer said this bill would "greatly reduce the cost of prescription drugs to all citizens." He's urging the House to pass it "as is."
The Senator said loopholes in the current law allow name brand drug companies to keep less expensive generic drugs off the market.
Some local senior citizens spoke out against the high cost of prescription drugs at a forum held Wednesday in Buffalo by Citizen Action of Western New York.
Citizen Action handed out prescription drug bottles to the audience to use as "noisemakers".
Seniors were encouraged to shake the bottles during the session in response to speakers.
Salon Meyers, with Citizen Action, said too many senior citizens can not afford to buy the medications they desperately need for their health.
"They are having a problem of choosing between buying their prescription drugs and paying other bills," said Meyers. "In this country that is a shame!"
Citizen Action and seniors are calling on elected leaders to taken steps in creating a drug plan that covers all seniors who need to frequently purchase drugs.
67 year-old Bishop William Henderson, a Pastor of El-Bethel Assembly in Buffalo, is a on Medicare.
Henderson said he is often forced to decide which drugs to go without because of high costs.
"When you need drugs that cost $100 or $200 dollars...you've got to take it or else your are going to lose your life, but you don't have the money," said Henderson. "Your Social Security is limited and you have to pay your bills and living expenses."
66 year-old Ann Aiken of Kenmore lives on Social Security Disability.
Aiken said elected officials must start listening to the voters.
"Our elected officials really need to stop listening to lobbyists from the insurance companies and the pharmaceutical companies," said Aiken.
Western New York Congresswoman Louise Slaughter also appeared at the event.
Slaughter said drug costs must be reduced. She is supporting legislation to re-import drugs from Canada.