Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz Invites New Yorkers to Tune In to SenNet TV

On Friday, April 3, 2009 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., SenNet TV will broadcast the Committee on Aging Public Hearing chaired by New York State Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz (D-Bronx), that was held on Wednesday, March 25, 2009 in Albany. The purpose of this hearing was to  receive oral and written testimony on Senate Bill 1645 which creates the New York State Prescription Medication Cost Containment Program. SenNet TV can be accessed by visiting the New York State Senate website www.senate.state.ny.us and click on the icon for SenNet TV Live Session.

Senator Diaz invites all New Yorkers to watch this broadcast that included testimony from experts who have thoroughly reviewed the legislation which will help senior citizens in New York State  save money on their prescription drugs. This bill authorizes the Executive Director of EPIC to utilize Canada’s research-based pharmaceutical companies in order to secure the best quality FDA-approved prescriptions at the lowest possible costs.

Senate Bill 1645 is modeled after a successful program that was implemented by Schenectady County in 2005. Since the inception of this program, according to County Attorney Christopher Gardner, "The County's cost-savings have been tremendous. Discounts of 30%, 40%, 50% and 60% and more have been achieved on many brand-name drugs resulting in several million dollars in savings."

As a result of the recommendations received on ways to improve the bill, it was amended and the Senate Aging Committee voted unanimously to pass S1645A on Monday, March 30, 2009.  The bill has been reported to the Senate Finance Committee.

All are encouraged to tune in.

For further information, please contact Cathy Bern-Smith, Policy Director for Senator Diaz at 518-455-2511.