Prescription Benefits

Published in the New York Times July 6, 2000

To the Editor:

     Re "House Approves a Medicare Prescription
Benefit" (front page, June 29):
     The $40 billion earmarked by the House of
Representatives to help older Americans pay
for their prescription drugs must be spent wisely
to assist those with the greatest need. This can
be accomplished by having a deductible base on
a percentage of taxable income. Those living
entirely on their Social Security benefits would
receive first dollar coverage, while those with
additional income would receive coverage only
after they reach their deductible.
     Keeping costs down and using tax dollars
efficiently will allow all elderly patients to get the
prescription drugs they need without suffering
financially. LEONARD M. GREENE

 White Plains, June 29, 2000

The writer is president of the Institute for
SocioEconomic Studies.