Sheldon Whitehouse Calls for Medicare Prescription Drug Reform

Sheldon Whitehouse Calls for Medicare Prescription Drug Reform

Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate Sheldon Whitehouse today spoke with residents at Carroll Tower in Providence about the Medicare prescription drug plan, Social Security, and other issues of importance to seniors. Discussion focused on the confusion and frustration that many seniors feel about the Medicare Part D.

"As I talk to seniors around our state, one thing is clear - Washington politicians really got it wrong when they wrote the legislation for the Medicare Prescription Drug plan," said Whitehouse. "This complicated and confusing plan does more to help the special interests than it does to help struggling seniors."

During the course of the discussion, Whitehouse laid out his plan to help seniors. Whitehouse called for a repeal of the ban that prohibits Medicare from negotiating for lower drug prices, in the same way that the Veterans Administration or other private companies do. He also called for a one year extension to delay the late enrollment penalty and allow seniors to change plans during the first year.

"The fact that the GOP drug bill actually prohibits Medicare from using their bargaining power to negotiate for lower prices is absurd. We need common sense and new leadership in Washington," said Whitehouse.

In November 2003, Senator Lincoln Chafee delivered a key vote for his Republican leadership in support of the Medicare prescription drug bill. "It's disappointing that, when it really mattered, Sen. Chafee voted with President Bush and Republican leadership in support of the Medicare Prescription drug plan," said Whitehouse. "Rhode Island seniors deserve better."

Residents' Association President Diane Holland praised Whitehouse for his record of fighting for seniors and said, "The seniors of this state need the leadership that Sheldon Whitehouse will provide in the Senate. Sheldon has never shied away from tackling a tough problem, and I know we can trust him to fight for us in the U.S. Senate."

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