Seniors Need a Simple, Affordable and Reliable Prescription Drug Benefit

SENIORS NEED A SIMPLE, AFFORDABLE AND RELIABLE PRESCRIPTION DRUG BENEFIT -- (House of Representatives - June 20, 2006)

(Ms. SCHAKOWSKY asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.)

Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, American seniors know that the Republican prescription drug plan that took effect earlier this year is deeply flawed. The plan is complex and confusing, unfair and unreliable.

This is not the plan seniors wanted. They didn't ask for a plan that forced them to go outside of Medicare to choose from dozens of private insurance plans, or a plan that creates a giant gap in coverage that leaves them with no benefits but still requires them to pay monthly premiums.

They didn't ask for a plan that slaps those who haven't yet selected a plan with a penalty that stays with them the rest of their lives.

Democrats believe it is time that seniors receive a simple and affordable drug plan. We can make prescription drugs more affordable by giving Medicare the ability to negotiate lower prices with the drug companies just like the Veterans Administration does. We can make the plan simpler and more cost effective, creating a plan within the current Medicare system.

Mr. Speaker, Democrats are not satisfied with the status quo. We will fight to do more to help our seniors afford their prescription drugs.

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