[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 110 (Friday, July 30, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1708]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION DRUG BENEFIT PLAN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK

                             of california

                        HON. ALBERT RUSSELL WYNN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 30, 1999

  Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my colleague  Albert Wynn 
(D-MD) on behalf of the citizens of the United States and their 
requests for a much-needed Medicare prescription drug benefit plan.
  Some of the greatest financial difficulties faced by seniors today 
come as a result of increasingly exorbitant medication prices. As the 
price of prescription drugs continue to rise, access to these vital 
drugs decrease concurrently.
  Just this week, we received the following petition from the Homecrest 
House Resident Council of Silver Spring, Maryland. This petition was 
sent to various members of Congress as well as President Clinton urging 
us to work together for the institution of a Medicare prescription drug 
benefit plan Close to 300 of the residents signed this letter which 
stretches some seven feet long. It is an urgent plea that not only lays 
out their own concerns, but also those of seniors nationwide who are 
constantly restricted financially from obtaining vital prescription 
drugs.
  The petition notes that decreased access to vital medications only 
contributes to prolonged illness and more frequent hospitalization, 
which subsequently increases the government's costs of caring for these 
elderly and disabled citizens.
  We ask our colleagues to join with us today in protecting our seniors 
and in aiding them in gaining access to the prescription drugs to which 
they are entitled. This petition is yet another visible example of the 
need for Congress to actively improve and protect the Medicare program. 
All seniors deserve access to prescription drug medications. It is our 
duty today to guarantee that access through prompt enactment of 
legislation that adds a prescription drug benefit to Medicare.
  I am submitting a copy of the petition we received which clearly 
illustrates the Homecrest House residents' concerns and requests.

                                                   Homecrest House


                                             Resident Council,

                                  Silver Spring, MD, July 8, 1999.
     Hon. Peter Stark,
     House of Representatives,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Representative Stark: We are enclosing our petition 
     signed by most of our 300 resident.
       All acknowledgment would be greatly appreciated.
       We are sure that we voice a concern of our friends around 
     the nation, seniors and disabled, who do without other 
     necessities in order to buy need medications.
       We are confident that you will help us and that you and 
     your party will get our vote, because you recognize how 
     critically important it is to make prescription drugs more 
     affordable for senior and disabled persons. Thank you for 
     your cooperation.
           Sincerely,
                                                  Virginia Benson,
                                                        President.
                                                      Mary Rygler,
                               Chair, Community Affairs Committee.
       Enclosure.
                                  ____

       Copies of this petition have been either hand-delivered or 
     mailed to President Clinton as well as several legislators.
       As Members of Congress, you hold in your hands the future 
     quality of life of retired and disabled Americans, most of 
     whom worked hard all their long lives and contributed to the 
     greatness of our beloved country!
       The 300 Residents of a retirement community in Silver 
     Spring, Maryland who signed this petition, reflect the 
     strivings of most elderly and disabled Americans all over the 
     country!
       We are sending to you our urgent plea to address the most 
     vital problem affecting our segment of population and that is 
     the skyrocketing cost of prescription drug!
       The fact that many vital medications are out of financial 
     reach of most seniors and disabled contributes to the misery 
     of prolonged illness and more frequent hospitalization, 
     which--in turn--increases the government cost of caring for 
     millions of elderly and disabled.
       Please keep in mind that we, seniors, take full advantage 
     of the privilege of voting.

     

                          ____________________