Industry pledge to narrow drug coverage gap contingent on health care overhaul

WASHINGTON — Hailed by President Barack Obama, a multi-billion-dollar promise by drug companies to narrow a Medicare drug coverage gap for seniors is valid only if Congress succeeds in passing a comprehensive health care bill encountering strong opposition from Republicans, an industry spokesman said Monday.

Obama announces agreement with pharmaceutical companies on Medicare drug coverage

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama on Monday welcomed the pharmaceutical industry’s agreement to help close a gap in Medicare’s drug coverage, calling the pact a step forward in the push for overhaul of the nation’s health care system.

Obama to formally announce agreement Monday with pharmaceutical companies on Medicare coverage

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama will make a formal announcement Monday welcoming the weekend agreement by the pharmaceutical industry to help close a gap in prescription drug coverage under Medicare.