A Better Medicare for Seniors

A BETTER MEDICARE FOR SENIORS -- (House of Representatives - March 02, 2004)

(Mr. WILSON of South Carolina asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, this past Friday, I had the opportunity to make presentations about the improvements made to Medicare with medical students at the University of South Carolina Medical School led by Mark Versnick and with seniors in the Low Country, where Darren Katz of the Health Leadership Council joined me. I informed them that last year the Republican-led Congress passed a historic bill that finally provides prescription drug coverage for our seniors through Medicare. This was a central issue of recent campaigns, and Republican lawmakers and President George W. Bush have proven that their promises are trustworthy.

The seniors I met with near Sun City at Hardeeville, South Carolina, were happy to learn that their benefits have not changed. Today's Medicare is better for seniors, meeting their needs while keeping costs sustainable. The new voluntary prescription drug benefit allows seniors to lead healthier lives, while preventing disease and avoiding unnecessary hospital visits that will keep costs down.

I am proud of the work we have done to improve Medicare, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to build
on this historic success.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September 11.