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Defiance as diversion *** Updated x3 ***
Tuesday, Sep 19, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller Well, here’s one way to spin bad news. The Auditor General releases a report that shows the I-SaveRx plan is an expensive mess and violates federal law and the governor issues a press release announcing that he’s expanding the program. Here’s a couple of grafs from the guv’s press release: Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today announced that the State of Illinois will expand its innovative I-SaveRx drug importation program to state employees and dependents. Currently, the program is available and intended for senior citizens and the uninsured, and covers the citizens of Illinois, Kansas, Wisconsin, Missouri and Vermont. […] But that’s not all the Auditor General reported. Check out the screen cap below. They spent a half million dollars in staff costs for a measly 17,575 prescriptions in 19 months, plus hundreds of thousands more in support costs. So, the taxpayer overhead on this thing is roughly $50 per prescription filled by the program..
The audit can be found here. *** UPDATE *** The AP story is now up. *** UPDATE 2 *** Acccording to the audit, the $220,000 in legal fees were exemped from the competitive bidding process. $144,000 of that was an agreement the governor’s own office entered into with a Washington, DC law firm. And as far as those travel costs? We also found that most travel was not approved prior to departure as stated in travel regulations. *** UPDATE 3 *** It looks like the flu vaccine debacle was even worse. Check the audit.
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- RickG - Tuesday, Sep 19, 06 @ 10:50 am:
Un. Freaking. Believable.
- DOWNSTATE - Tuesday, Sep 19, 06 @ 10:56 am:
Let’s see the Blagoettes get on here and spin this one.Come on all your Blago phone workers give it a try.
- Greg - Tuesday, Sep 19, 06 @ 11:06 am:
It’s too soon to tell but I don’t think we’ll similar results from All Kids. What the state government is sellin’, the people ain’t buyin’.
Half of those who are eligible for All Kids are eligible for SCHIP. If parents won’t sign up for that, why would they sign up for another govt. program? Bookmarks?
Now, when you consider that the I-Save-Rx promises savings up to 50% and Medicare Part D promises savings with a floor of 50%, which do you think is going to garner more customers?
- VanillaMan - Tuesday, Sep 19, 06 @ 11:06 am:
Dan Hynes is also in the news stating the obvious. We have spent everything we will get for the next three years on these costs.
Blagojevich’s promises-for-votes is destroying Illinois.
- cashflowpro - Tuesday, Sep 19, 06 @ 11:07 am:
Does the program require the statement “brought to you by ROD BLAGOJEVICH” be prominently displayed on all filled prescription labels? Or, did his campaign just use the names 3,689 Illinois residents as a campaign mailing list in violation of federal HIPAA privacy act.
- Bubs - Tuesday, Sep 19, 06 @ 11:08 am:
Just from the figures above, that’s $225 in state spending PER ILLINOIS PRESCRIPTION. It would have been far, far cheaper for the taxpayers to just have the State pay for the drugs!
Why, oh why, do I have this suspicion that all those expenses were spent on Blago & Democrat cronies, or racked up with Blago contributors?
Starting to see the pattern again, folks? It’s getting “generic” (ouch):
1. Blago gets a media splash with his announcement of idealistic program.
2. Blago gets to spend all sorts of state money to promote himself by (ahem) “promoting the program.” “Governor Rod Blagojevich” is printed name is all over everything. (I’m quite confident they considered how to put in on each drug capsule with very small printing).
3. Blago contributors get rich on state money.
4. Illinois taxpayers get a kick in the teeth.
5. Very little is actually achieved.
6. The program is hailed as a miracle by Blago’s press agents & press cronies.
- Anon - Tuesday, Sep 19, 06 @ 11:25 am:
This reminds me, what ever happened with paying for the non-approved flu shots that Rod tried to import. It was going to cost the state several million dollars, but Hynes stepped and in and refused to pay. Last I heard I think it was heading to court.
Anyone know if we ever paid for them?
- Squideshi - Tuesday, Sep 19, 06 @ 11:31 am:
The Medicare program operates with just 3% overhead, compared to 15% to 25% overhead at a typical HMO. We need single-payor universal healthcare in Illinois, and Rich Whitney is the only gubernatorial candidate that supports this.
- Wumpus - Tuesday, Sep 19, 06 @ 11:43 am:
Squid, I want my own employer provided insurance. Keep big brother out of my doctors office!
- Truthful James - Tuesday, Sep 19, 06 @ 11:48 am:
Another example of the governor’s tongue depressor sliding slowly into my throat.
- Reddbyrd - Tuesday, Sep 19, 06 @ 12:07 pm:
The “spin” on this one is easy Downstate.
The choice fight the feds & drug companies over high Rx costs or rolloever with the Bush Administration? Boy this one is tough.
Bet ya even Judy Bore and the Brickhead don’t say a peep here.
I like Bill Holland and he MIGHT even be right, but standing up to everyone on drug price rip offs is a winner 100% of the time.
There ya go
That was easy.
- Guy Fawkes - Tuesday, Sep 19, 06 @ 12:14 pm:
Governor Blagojevich is “OUT OF CONTROL”!
- Squideshi - Tuesday, Sep 19, 06 @ 12:26 pm:
Wumpus, single-payor universal healthcare is delivered by your choice of private provider.
Businesses will likely support such a system, because it frees them from paying any portion of premiums–a significant expense for small businesses. Doctors will also likely support such a system, because it is easier to bill one payor, on a standardized form, than hundreds of different payors, each with their own confusing rules.
The numbers are there for anyone to see–Medicare spends more of every dollar on actual healthcare than does the average private insurer. A single-payor system will reduce the cost of care.
- I stink RX - Tuesday, Sep 19, 06 @ 12:31 pm:
It is no surprise, the RX program was run by the most incompetent and inexperienced bunch of hacks ever hired into state government. I’ve seen ‘em and worked with ‘em. You can be inexperienced but make it up somewhat with sincerity and devotion to the job, plus acknowledging you don’t know everything and that others can share their knowledge and experience with you to help get the job done for the people of the state. But these people are not sincere about helping anyone but themselves. And sharing the work or credit with experienced people never entered their thoughts. This program, like so many others Rod has put out, was never more than the most transparent attempt at marketing the governor to soccer moms and the elderly so as to buy their votes. The program failed because it never mattered that it succeed. If it went down in flames they would blame Bush and the feds. If it worked, they would use it like fringe groups use single-issue extreme issues to rally supporters. And all the time, the number one function: to put Blago’s name out there as much and as often as possible - was the goal.
- Southern Illinoisian - Tuesday, Sep 19, 06 @ 12:35 pm:
Classic Blags. Just another example of what your health care costs will be if the Demos get a majority (remember Hillary?).
I had to laugh at Reddbyrd, though: Blame it on the Bush administration! Too funny.
Oh, wait, you were serious?!? BWAHAHAHAHAH. Stop it, my sides hurt.
In all seriousness, the state really needs to stop breaking federal laws. It makes the state government look incompetent. Oh, wait again, they ARE.
I’m sorry, sarcasm is all I have left after I get over the anger and sadness of how poorly this state is operated. It’s just another sign of how this once-proud state has been run into the ground.
- DOWNSTATE - Tuesday, Sep 19, 06 @ 12:35 pm:
Sorry redbyrd but that isn’t spin but your usual gibberish.The only thing this down was give somemore Democrat party workers jobs.Probably had to dummy down the test like they done for rest of the new hires in other agencies plus a little cash on the side.
- Walking Wounded - Tuesday, Sep 19, 06 @ 12:45 pm:
Breaking the law is “standing up to everyone over drug price ripoffs”? woa…from my neck of the woods, breaking the law is considered as criminal activity. Redbyrd, you can sure spin things like a Maytag.
- Guy Fawkes - Tuesday, Sep 19, 06 @ 12:48 pm:
When are the indictments coming? We certainly do not need 4 more years of this clown and his posse!
- Bill - Tuesday, Sep 19, 06 @ 12:49 pm:
First, we have Danny releasing his “data” and then we have Madigan punk Holland with another attempt at a scathing anti-rod report…all right before the election. Triangulation is a wonderful thing.
Rod is a master who learned from a master.
Bring it on!
- Salty Dog - Tuesday, Sep 19, 06 @ 12:54 pm:
Avast! Did they not tell Blagojevich tha it’s “TALK” like a pirate day, not “ACT” like one?
That scurvy dog will end up walking the plank!
- Guy Fawkes - Tuesday, Sep 19, 06 @ 1:09 pm:
Bill
Are you some sort of democrat type lemming? How can any of this be good for the State of Illinois?
- cermak_rd - Tuesday, Sep 19, 06 @ 1:11 pm:
I actually thought Rod was right on the flu shots, even though it ultimately didn’t work out. The whole reason that the GOP doesn’t want us to be able to import medicines from over-seas is because they are philosophically and politically opposed to socialized medicine and the bargaining power that a unified buyer can have against suppliers. So the GOP decision to not allow over-seas medicine is purely about politics and has little or nothing to do with safety of the drug supply. So if Rod wanted to use a little of the same medicine to get some of his own, that’s fine with me.
- buttermaker - Tuesday, Sep 19, 06 @ 1:19 pm:
bill,
wow, that is strong. there is not yet a reason to refute your confidence. trouble everywhere and advancing movement in the lead. it is amazing on a strange variety of levels. for kicks; what will your comments be like if he gets busted? will you still make any? do you guys ever think what if? and if you do, who and how?
- DOWNSTATE - Tuesday, Sep 19, 06 @ 1:31 pm:
Bill mans the Blago phones trying to drum up support for the gov.
- Little Egypt - Tuesday, Sep 19, 06 @ 2:05 pm:
Reddbyrd, you really can’t believe what you are writing. I’m wondering about the 26 employees paid with FEDERAL funds. Don’t ya think Patrick Fitzgerald is aware of this as well as our Auditor General. You Blogo supporters are correct - BRING IT ON!!
- EmbarrassedNillinois - Tuesday, Sep 19, 06 @ 2:24 pm:
“bullied by the FDA”? Is he serious! It’s federal law that he is not only ignoring but flaunting his non compliance to. This guy is dangerous people. WAKE UP!
- Jaded - Tuesday, Sep 19, 06 @ 2:32 pm:
You’re right Bill. Rod is a master who learned from the master….George Ryan!
On another note I am glad to see the governor of the state is encouraging citizens to break federal laws. I suppose if it is OK to break federal laws, it is also OK to break state laws. Speed limits…who needs them. Drinking age…nah..go ahead and drink teenagers it’s just a silly state law. Smoking bans…hell that’s just some silly local ordinance, why should anyone follow those silly things.
Upon reflection, I am starting to like this Blogojevich guy. He really has the “stick it to the man” civil disobedience mentality. Peace, drugs (even if they are just the prescription type), and rock-n-roll Brother Rod.
- DOWNSTATE - Tuesday, Sep 19, 06 @ 2:41 pm:
I can’t believe he broke federal law and 2 state employees were written tickets today for smoking in a state building.Please Mr. Federal Prosecutor put this deranged ego maniac in cuffs.
- cermak_rd - Tuesday, Sep 19, 06 @ 2:54 pm:
I can’t believe people have forgotten that all other rights are to be reserved to the states.
- Way Northsider - Tuesday, Sep 19, 06 @ 3:00 pm:
I agree with Cermak_rd. There is no reason US consumers should pay more for the exact same drugs from the exact same factory in Canada or Scotland or Ireland. The FDA wants to stop people bringing these meds in to protect US drug company profits. I have no view on whether or not the IL direct importation program is mis-managed. I DO know it’s a good idea to stand up to the FDA ban on direct importation of approved drugs.
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Sep 19, 06 @ 3:14 pm:
Actually, Bill, Holland was Phil Rock’s “punk.” lol
- Jaded - Tuesday, Sep 19, 06 @ 3:24 pm:
Well then heck Way Northsider, lets stand up to all the bans. Why shouldn’t Illinois be trading with Cuba? It would help us and be the humanitarian thing to do. To Hell with some silly US Government trade embargo. Why stop there? I think the North Koreans are just plain misunderstood. Let’s trade with them too.
Oh, Oh wait, my bad there is that little clause in Article 1 Section 8 of the US Constitution that says (Congress shall have the Power) “to regulate Commerce with foreign Nations”. Oh, like Canada, Scotland and Ireland (and Cuba and North Korea). Yea, those guys are foreign nations aren’t they. Oh well, it was a good thought anyway. You and cermak_rd keep up the good fight, OK Way Northsider. Or, heres a thought, maybe Rod can make the the US Constitution go away, I mean it has only been around since 1787, and he has been Governor and supreme leader of Illinois since 2003.
- Bill - Tuesday, Sep 19, 06 @ 3:42 pm:
My mistake. I do remember him in the mid ’70’s on the House floor getting Mike’s lunch.I think he was an intern then. Anyway I wish he would just shut up.
- Reddbyrd - Tuesday, Sep 19, 06 @ 3:57 pm:
But Holland worked for the House staff before Rock and actually before Madigan got everything fine tuned.
It is petty funny to read the shrieking as GOPs (as inn MOPEs) try to defend the Bush/Cheney crowd and their decision to deny Americans the right to import Rx drugs the same way they import scotch and BMWs.
These must be the same sillies who want the million mile fence w/one itsy bitsy fence for the landscapers to get through.
Keep on trying guys. I bet you can look a lot siller before quiting times in 34 minutes.
- maggiemae - Tuesday, Sep 19, 06 @ 4:00 pm:
Well said Jaded @ 3:24 p.m.
- Reddbyrd - Tuesday, Sep 19, 06 @ 4:41 pm:
Work day ended…free computers off… every off to the cheap bucket nites at the local pubs. Too bad DH Browns isn’t wifi ready on the banter could continue on the free laptops.
Meanwhile, matey, GRod can fight the good fight for cheap drugs against Bush and the book keepers.
- anon - Tuesday, Sep 19, 06 @ 4:45 pm:
fyi - to all whitney supporters - Universal healthcare is the absolute worst thing you could do to the healthcare industry, it will lower the standard of care, cause doctors to leave the state more than they are now, and turn the pharmaceutical plans into a complete joke….
and to those who love to ignorantly complain about how much their prescriptions are: please take a look at how much $$$$ is spent on R & D to make these drugs possible….
here is a little tidbit info on the drugs you take:
branded drugs are allowed to have no more than a 3% variance, meaning a 100mg pill can be anywhere between 97mg-103mg.
U.S. made generic pills are allowed a 30-40% variance, meaning your 100mg pills could be between 60-140mg
Canadian, European, & Indian generic pills are allowed a 50% variance meaning that same pill could be between 50-150mg.
Now take these facts into account for some of the medications patients need to take and ask yourself, if it is a serious medication like an anticoagulant, blood pressure pill (statin), oncology medication, or oral diabetic medication, would you want to take the chance on the every so cheap international pills people like our Gov. want to push on you to save their pork products, or would you rather spend more and save your health knowing you are getting a more consistent treatment….
I love how people can go out and spend so much money on tvs, expensive cars, and other material items, yet they want to spend as little as possible on their own health….
- Levois - Tuesday, Sep 19, 06 @ 4:58 pm:
Hmm I should have read this blog first. I figured that you’d get your hands on it faster than I would. This is without a doubt an interesting development. I wonder if this will hurt the governor.
I even blogged about it. But only after I saw that Crain’s had written about it.
http://itismymind.blogspot.com/2006/09/il-auditor-finds-blagojevich-drug.html
- LakeILGOP - Tuesday, Sep 19, 06 @ 5:02 pm:
I just figured it out. Blago is Baghdad Bob. “There are no tanks in Baghdad!” “This program will save us so much money I think I’ll expand it to benefit even more people!!!”
Does he really believe this? Or is he counting on the idea that his millions can sell the lie on TV because the electorate doesn’t read the papers anymore. The level of unrepentant denial in the face of such criticism is beyond words.
- Southern Illinoisian - Tuesday, Sep 19, 06 @ 5:14 pm:
LOL, Lake. Blags as Baghdad Bob. That’s my second good laugh of the day.
JBT ought to use that in a campaign ad. Just think . . .
Cut to video from Baghdad Bob: “There are no tanks in Baghdad!”
Then add video from Chicago Rod: “It was just a birthday gift!”
Last scene to JBT: “Not much difference, is there? Let’s bring honesty back to Springfield.”
Too funny!
- anon - Tuesday, Sep 19, 06 @ 5:16 pm:
people need to ralize that if they take the time to read the information, Medicare Part D savings >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> the ISave-RX sham
- One Man Can Make A Difference - Tuesday, Sep 19, 06 @ 5:29 pm:
“BUSINESS AS USUAL” that’s what that’s all about. What’s new?
- Martha Mitchell - Tuesday, Sep 19, 06 @ 5:40 pm:
This sociopath keeps flaunting his refusal to obey the laws. Hiring, importing drugs, telling the people who regulate the drug program that they aren’t going to bully Illinois, programs planned with no money to back them up. He must have a death wish.
I wonder what the feds will do when they find out that the All Kids literature and forms still have the KidCare ID numbers on them. I wonder why, since there is no KidCare anymore? OH YES, KidCare gets federal money, so if we slide KidCare into AllKids, we get to keep the feds money, even though they haven’t approved it yet.
And then there’s the hundreds of thousands of dollars being spent to send out AllKids stuff, even having the same supplier for SaveRx send out postcards praising the program USING CANADIAN POSTAGE WHICH IS HIGHER THAN U.S. The postage on the All Kids Fact Sheet alone for the past 3 months is over $400,000. Millions of mailings for 253,000 children without insurance. Who’s getting the excess mailings. Oh Yes -VOTERS.
Now, does anyone want to justify this governor’s actions? You folks are paying through the nose for his campaign literature. And word on the street is that many more mailing are planned for October and November. I wonder when we will all get our tin cups and pencils.
- huh? - Tuesday, Sep 19, 06 @ 5:52 pm:
I got a kick out of the line that “Illinois wouldn’t be bullied by the FDA.” What a line from Public Official A.
- huh? - Tuesday, Sep 19, 06 @ 5:56 pm:
Where is the cop or G man to arrest Public Offician A for a federal crime?
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Sep 19, 06 @ 6:03 pm:
Rich,
One would be well-served to look into Martha’s statement.
- Reality Bites - Tuesday, Sep 19, 06 @ 6:05 pm:
Bill,
Have you sought professional help for your condition?
Maybe one of the governor’s amazing programs can help you cover the co-pay.
- Bill - Tuesday, Sep 19, 06 @ 6:15 pm:
Well, Goodbye everybody, it is time to go walk the precinct for Rod. I will bet not one person will mention any of this stuff when they come to the door. I tell them about AllKids, ed. funding, health care for vets and seniors. AFL_CIO,FOP,IFT,SEUI,Etc.. That mean,shrill Judy and those nasty commercials…The real people love Rod. It is almost too easy. Bring absentee ballots for the seniors. Offer rides to the polls.Give them a picture or a sign for the window. 20 votes a night. We are all getting 20 votes a night.
Rod 56 Judy 42 other 2
\You heard it hear first.
- So Blue Democrat - Tuesday, Sep 19, 06 @ 7:24 pm:
The issue is that the Governor has not been appointed king. I support the concept of many of his programs; however, he should not be allowed to ignore federal or state laws. The ends do not justify the means.
Additionally, the Governor’s staff are reprinting brochures and posters at the tax payer’s expense to promote him, and not the programs. The state agencies administering the programs are not even mentioned. Just check at DHS, HFS and Aging. They are also using state agency client lists for political-related mailings (to promote the king). They call it “outreach.” They need to be stopped. It is not funny anymore.
- ChicagoDem - Tuesday, Sep 19, 06 @ 7:33 pm:
Bill,
“Be carefull what you wish for…” Fitz will “Bring it on” all-right. I believe he’s got enough to endict,however, he does not want to interfer with an on-going election. So, be patient.
- Rex - Tuesday, Sep 19, 06 @ 8:06 pm:
Why isn’t the Inspector General’s Office investigating this issue also? Violating Federal Law, circumventing state travel regulations, etc. Who authorized the payroll of federal funds? What the heck is this crap. Does someone need to file a freakin complaint and complete the silly little form for the Inspector General first?
And about the Flu vaccine - how stupid can you be to think you don’t need a contract? DUH! Make that a double DUH! DUH! This is really scary folks - voters need to wake up and take their rose colored glasses off. What a waste of tax payer money.
- Buck Flagojevich - Tuesday, Sep 19, 06 @ 8:43 pm:
Bill,
“The real people love Rod.” I must be a very good replica of a flesh and blood human.
- anon - Tuesday, Sep 19, 06 @ 9:17 pm:
Bill, keep up the good work we’re all counting on you. The Blagojevich administration is going to be historic. I mean, when was the last time we had a SITTING governor indicted and convicted.
- OrangeCrush - Tuesday, Sep 19, 06 @ 9:29 pm:
THIS IS CRAZY. I cannot believe this man has been able to waste our money time and time again. And all to make himself look good. I am really angry about this.
- Anon - Tuesday, Sep 19, 06 @ 9:32 pm:
What happens when the Feds decide to stop sending $$$ to Illinois for Medical programs while they investigate this arrogant flouting of the law?
- David - Tuesday, Sep 19, 06 @ 9:36 pm:
Leave it to a former congressman to decide which laws to follow and which ones to flaunt. This Governor has let his power go to his head. His response to concerns over school construction funding priorities: “sue me”. Sure, sue “me”, meaning sue the State, which equates to another private, unbid contract for legal defense paid for by taxpayers when the Attorney General is required by the constitution to defend the Governor. His respone to the Auditor General: we’ll implement some of the recommendations”. People may not have liked Edgar, but he upheld his OATH to follow the law. This goofball retard of a Governor is swollen with arrogance and complete disdain for the very laws he has sworn before God to uphold. He should not only be voted out of office AND indicted, he should be arrested at the James R. Thompson Center and taken out in handcuffs by FBI agents in full view of the TV cameras. I only wish I could be in Chicago to see that unfold.
- Casey Jones - Tuesday, Sep 19, 06 @ 9:58 pm:
Personally, I would prefer Dr. Blagojevich take his illegal drug program and administer it to himself as a suppository…The reality is that this whole thing is a prescription for us to wind up paying and paying; the overhead costs for the program will be followed by the legal costs which will become necessary to defend Rogaine Rod when the FDA gets tired of his grandstanding and decides to crush him beneath it’s large regulatory heel.
- Nostradamus - Tuesday, Sep 19, 06 @ 10:02 pm:
“Little Rodney” is up to his old tricks again. Do
you remember the deal on HMO’s? When he tried to
steer the contracts to a company his relative
worked for. Here he is, sending Illinois dollars
to Canada, a slap in the face to Walgreens. Their
parent company is an Illinois company, they employ
thousands of Illinois citizens. This man is an idiot and the people better wake up quick. I can’t
believe P.F. will withhold the indictments and
allow him to be re-elected, and cost the citizens
of Illinois all that tax money to get rid of him.
Where’s Lee Harvey?
- Anon - Tuesday, Sep 19, 06 @ 10:07 pm:
arrogance David? Twenty six years of the worst corruption in Iliinois history. The Governor must stand up for All The Peoples Needs.
- Link - Tuesday, Sep 19, 06 @ 10:54 pm:
Maybe I missed it but does the Auditor General account for all the costs associated with the hundreds of State employees who were required to promote this program at events and ALL opportunities for the public?
- ReddTyrd - Tuesday, Sep 19, 06 @ 10:57 pm:
Just ignore the Three Blago Stooges and they will go away. Right after the indictments.
$50 per prescription? That is one heck of a taxpayers’ co-pay where i come from.
- annon. - Wednesday, Sep 20, 06 @ 6:04 am:
As I’ve said time & time again !!! What do you rerally expect from this guy & his tribe ??? Nothing works & if they re-elect him …..it’s MORE OF THE SAME !!
- David - Wednesday, Sep 20, 06 @ 8:17 am:
Democrats like to pull the string “26 years”… but arrogance is arrogance, regardless of party affiliation. Ryan was arrogant and he’s going to prison. I don’t discriminate my vitriol comments to one party. I applaud and voted for Dan Hynes. I voted once for Jesse White and supported Paul Vallas’s primary campaign. 26 years of republicans is better than 8 years of Blago.
- Wheres the leadership??? - Wednesday, Sep 20, 06 @ 8:41 am:
He is breaking a Federal Law…..Fitzy where are you, what more do you need.
- Tom Bigno - Wednesday, Sep 20, 06 @ 11:38 pm:
Blago is a crime wave