President Trump holds up an executive order after delivering remarks on health care in Charlotte, N.C., on Thursday.President Trump holds up an executive order after delivering remarks on health care in Charlotte, N.C., on Thursday.President Trump promised this week to send cards worth $200 to seniors to help them pay for their prescription drugs, but it's unclear how he will be able to pull it off — or how legal it is.
Instead, officials say the White House plans to use a section of the Social Security Act that allows Medicare to test out new programs aimed at saving money, for example, to see if they work. Called"demonstrations," these are usually proposed by state governments, agency staff, Congress or the private sector. And the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is tasked with evaluating and approving them.
If your statement is true, please stop using the blanket 'The President is holding up funding for (insert cause)'. Unless he issues an actual Veto of actual 'passed legislation', he is not 'holding up' anything.
Trump buying votes...illegal in more than one way...
It sure looks to me with all of this very Sudden promise of money going out to different groups that it is an attempt to buy votes. 🧐. Maybe I’m reading too much into it? 🤔
Boy the drug companies are gonna love this. Watch those prescription prices shot through the roof in a 'demomstration' price hike to coincide with the arrival of the taxpayers money. Trump is selling garbage bought with thier own tax dollars to seniors to buy thier votes.
Once again realDonaldTrump LIED!!!
I'm sorry, I think you misspelled 'bribe'.
We don’t need drug money we need money money you know dollars that 200$ isn’t even worth a stamp on the envelope should redo that idea realDonaldTrump
There will be no cards at all. Just trump and his sharpie.
Wait. DOJ is investigating Bloomberg for paying fines in Fla so free people can vote and tRump bribing seniors is ok?
So is he not doing it or is he stealing my money again?
$200 for votes to Trump?
This what a socialist (dictator) would do
Why doesn’t that pinhead lower the cost instead?
Trying to buy the elderly vote ... if he wasn’t worried about losing, he wouldn’t need to. 🤷♀️
So he is bribing or buying votes. Won’t work!
He has to go. He has no respect for the law.
It is so blatantly an attempt to buy votes. If he follows through the money will not come out of his campaign funds. It will come out of our taxes. I thought Republicans didn’t like this kind of program. Trump isn’t actually a Republican though. He’s just an opportunist.
Certainly better than letting them have their fucking healthcare.
Has anyone noticed how great bitcoin has been doing lately? Better than Trump's beloved stocks even
Trump is a socialist.
I thought buying votes was illegal?
“That route” — the law Does an hour go by when doesn’t minimize Trump’s contempt for laws? NormalizingTrump
'Universal healthcare is evil and for commies when it doesn't buy me votes.'
Law and Order.....except for the Trump Administration...They can do whatever they want. That isn’t Democracy.
Trump can keep the $200.00. I'm not grateful for the taxpayer's money. We'll end up paying it back. Either from Social Security or Medicare. Who is he kidding. He's trying to get the seniors and black vote. Leave Social Security/ Medicare alone you Liar, and Bully Trump!
Trump’s a Christian like Obama’s a Muslim.
McTrump- the impeached photo op McPresident.
So far, he’s sent me $1000, now another $200? I’ve lost at least that much in my 401k since 2017. Such a weak suck. I tip waitresses more than that.
Quid pro quo
1 medication if they are lucky!
This is useless. Absolutely useless. There's nothing coming worth anything to anyone. He just promises crap and people start printing it. Stay focused and vote.
What the hell will just $200 pay for? realDonaldTrump
Thump lied again. If people would look they could see the ny con going on.
*2 months from now* Breaking News: $200 cards meant for senior citizens were accidentally sent to those who have already passed away from corona virus. The IRS is working on getting those cards reissued in the next 6 months.
This is how Trump wins! By using any power at his disposal to turn the vote in his favor at the last minute. He has many more incumbent power plays in his arsenal.
A: a 1-time cash payment is just a drop in the bucket for many seniors who need multiple meds EVERY month, and B: didn't this fool JUST try to defund social security (which seniors tend to live on) with his payroll tax cut plan?!
To hell w/ the cards and how taxpayers will fund what's just an illegal campaign ad. The real problem is that Trump first insisted that pharma cos pick up the tab for those cards, they didn't like the politicization, so now there's no deal to lower drugs costs for everyone.
And I’ll bet it will have his name on it (like the stimulus checks). Smh.
No surprise. A thief always knows where the money is and schemes to get it. Trumps been sniffing around that SS of money since day 1. No different than his families money. He's a thief.
I already have my prescription drugs covered under Medicare. Who’s fooling who?
He’s a pathological liar
The book of Trump lesson 101 “How to buy votes”
Do you think seniors have a simple one time 200 prescription drug deficit? You are far more ignorant than anyone ever previously stated. You want to slash my Medicare, Medicaid offering instead a $200 drug card, trying to convince me it’s a great deal. UselessPieceOfShit
Here's a $200 gift card for your prescriptions (which won't last more than a couple months), but I'm going to defund social security (a life worth of your own money) and get rid of Medicare, and let you die of COVIDー19. 🤔
It's time to stop reporting on him straight. Trump intends to use our money to buy votes. How about you say that!
RadioChio You misspelled 'bribes.'
Desperation, thy name is donald trump.
I sure that $200. will go a long way to cover the cost of most senior citizens drug bills, food and rent. Heck it wouldn’t even cover one month’s bills for medical marijuana.
Well pretty obvious he lost the older vote and Florida is trending towards Biden... If you fall for this then you should look inwards. A band-aid for a few months before the election.
I've got news for you. $200 doesn't even come close to covering one month of medication for this 68 year old with excellent insurance.
I love how this is a 'bribe' for votes but UBI is perfectly ok 😂😂😂
Usually meaning written in the Constitution but President Trump ignores the Constitution actually Trump just shreads it
The key detail of the plan is it’s another desperate attempt to buy votes with favors. Shameful and transparent and of course dishonest- all Trump hallmarks.
A biggy reason this president has become so unpopular. Bypassing our structure of a legislative process. You are an enemy of democracy if you support this.
This is why he needs to be fired.
realDonaldTrump Typical Donald. All talk, no action. Full of hot air.
What is he mailing them? We know his BS about mail. Wasn’t worried when it came to stimulus checks but ballots are forbidden
This inept is trying to buy votes. We seniors are not stupid!
Is this intended to be a bribe? It sure reads like one.
It's like putting a band aid on cancer
Just another PLOY to get VOTES. He is behind is signing various documents that will never go through without approval.
Hahaha
Another act of desperation. He's literally trying to buy votes.
I wouldn’t trust anything that bum says. I just count my blessings I don’t have to depend on his crazy actions for my own health insurance.
Encouraging any senior who receives a card to donate it to a community service organization to help others in need
Trump is like an abusive husband who thinks giving a few flowers makes up for four years of bruises, broken bones, and internal bleeding.
Yes call it a bribe like it is. Wtf
Where is the GOP's Bloomberg outrage for 'buying votes'? KennedyNation
But Mike Bloomberg can’t pay off fines?
Lol. This is a prescription card seniors already have access to. 🤷🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️😂🤡
Once again another half measure that won't go anywhere or get done. Just another photo op.
They The president and congress do not pay for health care. Therefore they don’t care or know what the common person pays or has to do to get care. If they had to get the same type of health care that we had, the health care system would be great.
norionakatsuji This is a huge logistical effort for very little individual benefit that will cost more than a simple waiver and take organisational resources that should be going to fight COVID.
Stop acting like this is a talk show where the audience gets a $200 prize. TrumpIsUnwell
. lol and Mike Bloomberg is bad for paying legal fees in Florida? Gimme a break
Hey, seniors, Trump is handing you taxpayer-funded checks on the eve of the election, without any congressional approval. Completely normal.
Great news!!!
gop. Where’s the outrage over the deficit? Hypocrisy but come November a better America without the gop SenateGOP HouseGOP LindseyGrahamSC senatemajldr
If it happens, impeach him. He is bribing seniors for votes.
I’m a senior send me the 200 and I’ll donate to the DNC
SaucedbySally Hello? Conservatives Remember how you railed against Obama for EOs? What about government handouts Let’s hear you!
Dude can’t even negotiate with Pharmaceutical Companies for some pennies. Oh he’s such a horrible negotiator 😂😂. Art of getting SWINDLED
FakePlan from the FakePresident realdonaldtrump in a crass attempt to buy votes. A plan that will never see the light of day because it is just another Trump con, he's had 4 years and did nothing, give him 4 more and you'll get more nothing from the liar.
1) Instead of dealing with big pharma practices he’s giving them MORE money, 2) even though congress controls the “purse”, there is a giant hole in the government structure that allows the president to bypass and spend taxpayer funds, 3)clearly an act of a desperate candidate
Bribery ?
Whadda prick.
What happened to that 2nd 1.2k that was proposed? 😂
And yet there will be Seniors who still believe he his the right choice. How are GOP senators still condoning this behavior? Your allegiance (should) be to your constituents NOT the story teller
Prescription drugs that are lost in the mail he slowed down to endanger their lives?
Does npr stand for National Progressive Radio?
Unbelievable! When does the arrogance stop? Oh... November 3rd!! Vote!!!!!
SpeakerPelosi who will stop realDonaldTrump from destroying our country? RepublicansForBiden
Isn't that socialism?
And by clogging the dysfunctional USPS with millions of cards, Trump has the added bonus of delaying the delivery of millions of absentee ballots.
Let’s just keep adding to the deficit. Why is no one talking about that? The FiScAlLy ReSpOnSiBlE cuntservatives have added $7 trillion to our deficit. That’s two packages of HEROES ACT that could have been passed to HELP the country
Boots4ACowGirl Quid pro quo from the most corrupt, deceitful scumbag EVER. This is like given free chips to casino patrons that cannot be covered by the 'vig'. Right into bankruptcy.
Just paid $442 for a three month supply of one drug so $200 is pathetic. How about you look at the heroes act. It’s amazing they can jam through a Supreme Court hearing but have no time for a corona virus relief package.
I’ll bank it for my meds...then vote for Biden. Does he think seniors can be bought?
I hope seniors will not consider selling their vote for 200$ of prescription drugs which is what this action by the President is an attempt to solicit. I hope they will vote based on a whole picture of what the President is trying to lead us to.
DumbTrump LockHimUp Again he has no knowledge and/or regard for the Constitution. He thinks if he gives money to retired people, Puerto Rican’s, etc that it will get him more votes. Disgraceful
Just one of my dad’s prescription cost $250/month. This joke thinks he can just send a one time $200 gift card right before an election instead of tackling the issue for good. People that credits him for this kinda of shit are idiots
'... but they won't all go out before the election.' 39 days to iron out the details, print and mail them. And with a dysfunctional USPS? LIkely, only a few will reach their recipients by November, but Trump will announce a very, very great success.
It that is a trumpster “two weeks” to release, like the release of his health care plan, those cards will never see the light of day. TrumpIsACompleteFailure
No one will ever see a dollar of that. It’s a letter from a Nigerian prince.
The cards will bounce.
Blatant vote-buying ... sending out checks to people you want to vote for you. They probably will have his name on them, too.
Since he’s literally trying to buy votes at this point, make the campaign pay for them.
Lies, lies, to try and get re-elected. If you're going to lie, the lie has to be greater than $200. POTUS still not going to vote for you!
$200 be still my heart... This is equivalent of the paper towels Trump threw at Puerto Ricans'.
Of course he’s throwing money at people for love. It always works with his kids and his wives.
Authoritarianism needs no permission
INTLmischief A gift card for an ammo store?
Why would they start following the constitution now?
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣. My high blood pressure medication is $300 a month! I’ll ask my pharmacist how many pills I can get with that card with no money on it!
I want nothing from this pig. I will refuse it
Still playing the fool you game. Where is the $200 gonna come from? Taxes from us which he gives as a freebie to the drug makers. DT is a socialist for the drug makers n corpors, but a tax collector on the rest of us. Robbing (direct n inditect taxes) from us n gives to the rich.
FOLLOW THE MONEY! This DUDE always scamming! TrumpDeathToll206K RepTomReed NYGovCuomo
Crooked politician have don’t this forever , it’s the old vote buying scam , he’s losing the boomers because they know he’s going to end social security and Medicare .
The operative word is 'usually'. The Administration and Senate Republican leader are acting outside of the usual rules and laws.
Here's an idea, cut the Pentagon budget by 1/2 it can be easily paid for. Too complicated?
It's called a bribe. Also do they think everyone on Medicare takes medication? Can it be used for anything?
Stop conceding so much latitude and the assumption that this administration creates policies that are legitimate and ethical. They're not. It's a one-time cash giveaway to buy votes.
POTUS Buying olders votes at expense of younger tax payers. Might as well just put that money in pockets of big drug companies.
Oh my god how is this not buying votes?
PRESIDENT LIES TO TRY AND BUY VOTES WITH TAX DOLLARS
And where is this money coming from? He is still acting as if the US is his company and he can do whatever he wants. Typical, he sees he’s in trouble in the polls and starts throwing money around with no real plan attached.
So, a bribe for votes then?
My mother was beyond ecstatic when she heard about this. Just sayin'.... Our Congress in its current form can only get in the way of any help on healthcare. Trump does what he has to do. Just be happy and man up here.
This is dictatorial campaign propaganda TO THE MAX! He keeps using these executive orders, which need to be reserved & always questioned (even Obama’s , doesn’t matter if I agreed w/intent). POTUS44 SpeakerPelosi JoeBiden
NPR, you've gotten so many things wrong over the last 3.5 years that nobody with a functioning brain would give any credence to what you think you know about what the White House 'intends.' Tell us again how Trump conspired with Putin to win the 2016 election.
Isn't buying votes illegal ? When Bloomberg tries to pay off former prisoner debt it was said that wasn't allowed. Trump sends money to seniors, without approval by Congress, to sway votes , that's ok? Plus that's tax dollars. What is the difference?
This is usually something the GOP would hammer a Democrat President on if it was the other way around.
Cool. Shooting a BB gun at a freight train. 🤦♀️
SCOOP: Trump breaks law to bribe Seniors for their vote
Like always hes just just making things up and ruling by executive order, just like the founding fathers intended. Thomas Jefferson must be spinning in his grave.
I hope he has a plan to reset the fed reserve. At this point so much money is being fabricated out of thin air that people will not be able to afford groceries in the cities. The likely future famine in Africa will be a preamble to our own.
Scam again
1 Where does that money come from then? 2 Does he really think he can throw not even 1/3 of the cost of ONE of my 'scripts at me and I'll vote for him? 3 Where's his plan? MAGA VoteHimOut VoteBlueToEndThisNightmare
He’s hung enough fly paper at this point. Nothing’s sticking. He seems a little desperate.
That $200 card is straight from the earnings of US citizens. Better to give us single payer healthcare and a $20 per hour minimum wage. Despots, like Trump, make empty promises like the “gift cards” to Sr. Citizens while threatening to cut their social security.
And they’ll go out with a letter that says it’s from Trump with his stupid sharpie signature like a campaign stunt. That shouldn’t be legal. That treasury is our tax money not his gift. If only we had means to stop him...
The Trump party is stealing democracy. Where is the Republican party to help stop him?
He’s trying to buy there vote’s but $200 won’t do anything for your average med I take a pain med that cost $800 a month w, insurance, Doc arranged w’rep to get it for $25 thanks my doc
They’re going to need it after he kills Social Security and Medicare.
So they don't intent to send anything- no surprise, a pathological liar would lie.
Send body bags instead
Where is my card?
Oh cool, this is 2/3 a month's supply of the medication I need. I'm not a senior, but use that as an example for how much required medication costs in the US. Even if it was approved, this isn't nearly enough. $1200 for stimulus? $200 for prescriptions? 7 months? C'mon.
$200 for prescriptions: my sister pays twice that for one every month. Reminds me of the NK photo op and the EO on pre existing conditions...these things accomplish nothing. Not a damn thing. It's all fukkn fluff.
Without digging up the roots, the dandelions will keep growing back. “Either way, health policy researchers, advocacy groups, members of Congress and even the pharmaceutical industry say the prescription cards fall short of any lasting way to curb high drug prices.”
Now do Obama's cash to Iran terrorist leaders.
It is a ploy to get our votes. He cannot have mine. I am voting Blue💙💙💙💙 To you Donald, I echo the cheers on the courthouse steps. VoteHimOut Excited to Vote Bidden/ Harris💙💙💙💙
He is buying votes with tax payer money.
The money will come from the savings from a program *that doesn’t exist*. Sent through the USPS, the very same dept his corrupt crony has hobbled, slowing mail delivery. It isn’t paid for, something the gop supposedly hates, at least they do when a dem is in office.
Ummmm, that’s still not lowering drug prices🤷🏼♀️
The cards won't work. The NCPDP rebate standard ties card to a specific NDC. And BTW, by not offering it to ALL Medicare Enrollees (70 million) he is discriminating against disabled persons. ADA violation
Is this some sort of vote buying scheme?
Trump failed at replacing Obama care and instead is giving gift cards? What a total looser. And where’s the wall? And where is Mexico’s gift cards to pay for it ? THEY are lying to you 🐑
Bribing people to vote for you is a crime. If he actually cared about seniors why wait til an election year to roll out a completely inadequate sham of a program obviously meant to bribe voters
This IS how most of America sees you...
I dunno what world Trump is living in, but where I'm from $200 wouldn't cover a week's worth of medication.
Yet another lie/scam from this WH. Where are: the health care plan, the infrastructure plans, his tax returns, Melania's immigration documents, Trump's school transcripts, etc. We're waiting.
It’s called bribery
So you're saying no help is better than some help because TrUmP dIdNt Go ThRoUgH pRoPeR cHanNeLs
Wow! Hey Seniors trump thinks you are only worth $200.
Trump was the first to stand up to big pharma. Drug prices are much lower.
It’s another desperate tactic to get votes. We aren’t stupid.
another scam and an attempt to buy votes - how novel
Wow. A whole 200 bucks, most medications cost hundreds more then that. And he expects praise for this? How about a good swift kick in the butt? This is insulting.
CAN YOU JUST SAY TRUMP IS FULL OF SHIT? THAT, PER HIS LONG AND WELL DOCUMENTED HISTORY, THERE IS NO INTENTION TO FOLLOW THROUGH? THE GOAL OF A FREE PRESS IS NOT TO TELL THE STORY OF BOTH SIDES - IT’S TO TELL THE TRUTH. WANT TO START NOW?
He’s trying to BUY the senior vote TreasonousTraitorTrump GOPCorruptionOverCountry dontfallforit VoteBlue2020 DefeatTrump VoteHimOut dirtydeeds WeSeeYou
My dad (RIP) was on Embrel. $5000/mo. He had great insurance, so co-pay was $50/mo. Seriously?
it’s a LIE! FFS!
He thinks $200 will buy a vote? Laughable.
Both sides pander. What do you call paying off the debts of felons so they can vote? I'd rather help seniors.
The Quid Pro Quo President
He seriously has no idea the cost of prescriptions in this country.
$200 is a spit in the bucket. It’s obvious he has no concept what seniors pay for their medications.
As I recall there was unspent money in the CARE program. The $400 (300 + 100) is being paid to unemployed workers now while this dysfunctional Congress continues to bicker
I’m still waiting for that 300$ Unemployment aid in one of them Exec Orders 3 months ago? Times running out For my family soon 2 jobless adults, but I know there’s Millions of Americans way Worse situation than I, we must Free Ourselves from Donald the Plaque he Must Be Voted Out
This is illegal and BS right before an election! 38 more days, start packing your red ties .get out of the peoples White House, trash is getting thrown ,out trumps are moving out !GOP is corruption Trump tried to turn the government into a fascist one DumpTrump2020 VoteBlue2020
Is no one going to point out that buying votes is utterly illegal?
Wouldn’t that be illegal? Why don’t you just lower prescription drug prices
TrumpPandering
Will big pharma give them out?
That’s less than half of 1 month’s drug cost for me - after Insurance pays their share. That’s less than 1/4 month expenses for my wife who is a type 1 diabetic. And then you are defunding Medicare and Social Security? You really think anyone is stupid enough to vote for you?
Trump seems to apply the same shady financial dealings with taxpayer money as he does with his own. If congress won't give him appropriated funds for his schemes he secretly steals them from another agency.
Congress sucks
Blazing Trails all hands & Scams on deck, love the down & Dirty no Plan for the Virus, Sick & Dying 210k Dead, Rally Word Salads, Putin Partner. Elderly will Lose there LifeLine Immediately if trump is re-elected somehow. Social Security Gone!
Vote45Out
A blatant attempt to illegally bribe voters from a corrupt 💩
Oh GAWD, just pick up a Good Rx or other prescription discount card at a doc's or drug store, free. They sure as hell don't cap out at 200 bucks! He's so fucking stupid. 🤦♀️🙄
'Two hundred dollars! That's plenty of money to pay for a year's worth of prescriptions! My grift to you!' - Drumpf would say if asked - since he has no clue what anything in real life costs
Paying seniors $200 to vote for him after he threw them to the dogs of COVID....
Is he sending them every month? Otherwise its useless. Just some crappy bribe.
Wow he must have convinced big pharmaceutical to lower drug prices to justify this windfall!
Paying Puerto Rico for votes, paying seniors for votes.... Who else did I miss?
That is bribery and vote tampering, both of which are impeachable offenses since they qualify as high crimes and misdemeanors.
Is this $200 a month so I can get my non-generic Eliquis next month too? Or is this the pharmaceutical equivalent of throwing rolls of paper towels to hurricane survivors? A show for the masses. notimpressed VoteHimOut2020 BidenHarrisLandslide2020 DonTheCon
Trump called American senior citizens 'nobodies'. Trump is actively trying to defund Social Security. No self-respecting senior citizen would vote for Trump. $200 would not buy MY vote!
he has done some good things, can't argue with that . trump minus the racism , he is kind of Good leader
So basically earmarking $6 billion in taxpayer money for the drug industry. Who exactly is he courting here?
The name, 'Drug Card', reminds me of an ID card a pot-smoker would get to buy weed, legally.
$200 will buy one pill for some of those ridiculously expensive prescriptions. 😣
If he sends me a check, I am donating it to .
Hi guys, if you want to buy masks, I suggest you refer to ishopzone. Their masks are affordable, FDA certified, product quality is guaranteed, and delivery is timely (only 3-5 days in the US). Search for ishopzone on Google
Its a stunt, a lie, a scam of some sort, usually involving self aggrandizement to feed his megalomaniacal narcissistic personalty disorder, and likely some kind of monetary kick-back to himself or his family.
Another day, another impeachable offense by Mr. “Law and Order.”
He's buying votes 🤷🏼 he's desperate 🤣🤣
Please RT HOJE TEM VITORIA CANCELEM O PLAYPLUS PRIOR MERECE RESPEITO Mariano e Lipe Cruzeiro afazenda afazenda12 afazenda2020 festaafazenda globorepórter topchefbrasil thehundredwinner ButecoBohemiaEmCasa DynaNite Durham
RT HOJE TEM VITORIA CANCELEM O PLAYPLUS PRIOR MERECE RESPEITO Mariano e Lipe Cruzeiro afazenda afazenda12 afazenda2020 festaafazenda globorepórter topchefbrasil thehundredwinner ButecoBohemiaEmCasa DynaNite Durham
RT please HOJE TEM VITORIA CANCELEM O PLAYPLUS PRIOR MERECE RESPEITO Mariano e Lipe Cruzeiro afazenda afazenda12 afazenda2020 festaafazenda globorepórter topchefbrasil thehundredwinner ButecoBohemiaEmCasa DynaNite Durham
Isnt that super socialist? Just asking for a friend
So... Trump is trying to claim Affordable Care Act as his own now. Interesting. What happens to his lawsuit of trying to remove the ACA pre-existing conditions?
Good, I will donate it to BIDEN-HARRIS CAMPAIGN.
200 won't make a dent.
$200 bucks will buy you some Advil
Or...he’s buying votes.
For some reason, I'm expecting a ton of fraud here. I can't quite put my finger on it...
Just shows Trump is a crappy negotiator since he wasn't able to get any concessions from drug manufacturers and here I thought the GOP was all about 'fiscal responsibility'. 🙄
That's it?
Hey im a senior .. wheres my card
Trump is so stupid he has no clue what drug prices are these days. $200 won't pay for a single month supply on thousands of medications.
realDonaldTrump If your parents were still alive, they would be so proud. You are giving all old people 200 dollars. Well you deserve 200 dollars too.
Any minute now, our phones are going to ring with a pre-recorded message from a DC area code: “Congratulations! You are eligible to receive a free $200 gift card from President Trump! All we need is your address, date of birth, SSN, bank routing number...”
Honestly if Obama has these balls but he’d always taunt really progressive policies and then just let it get obliterated time after time in either the house or senate. Fuck it let him set the precedent
In India you get about $20 a vote.. here in the US it is $200 per vote.
And what, that will pay for maybe a day or two's worth of medicine in this country?