WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 (UPI) -- Key Senate Democrats have warned Republicans efforts to open Medicare to competition from private health plans could block drug benefit inclusion.
They said the dispute threatens to block a compromise on legislation to provide a prescription drug benefit for elderly Americans, the Washington Post reported Wednesday. But, Minority Leader Thomas A. Daschle, D-S.D., said while an "overwhelming" majority of Senate Democrats disliked where Republicans appear headed in the negotiations, it was too early to say whether Democrats might filibuster the final proposal.
Negotiations to reach a compromise on Medicare and the drug plan are on "a surefire road to failure unless something changes," he said. But, Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn., said negotiations are "progressing well."
Both parties favor addition of a prescription drug benefit to the government's program of health care for the elderly and disabled. They differ profoundly over GOP proposals to revamp Medicare by encouraging more competition from the private sector.
