GM spends $17-Million On Erectile Dysfunction Drugs

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - Viagra, Cialis and other erectile dysfunction drugs are costing General Motors Corp. a hefty sum.
The company spends $17-million (U.S.) annually on such drugs, said GM spokeswoman Sharon Baldwin.
Although that's a small fraction of GM's overall health care costs, which in 2005 were more than $5-billion, company executives often use the example to illustrate what they say are out-of-control health-care costs.
The world's largest auto maker lost $10.6-billion last year and says skyrocketing health-care costs are partly to blame. GM provides health care for 1.1 million employees, retirees and dependents.
Viagra is covered under GM's labour agreement with the United Auto Workers union, as well as benefit plans for salaried workers.
Ford Motor Co. declined to say how much it spends on erectile dysfunction drugs, and a spokesman for DaimlerChrysler AG's Chrysler Group could not provide figures.
from Globe And Mail