[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 87 (Monday, July 10, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1188]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          MEDICARE RX 2000 ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. MAXINE WATERS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 28, 2000

  Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 4680, the 
Medicare Prescription 2000 Act. H.R. 4680 is a poor excuse for a 
prescription drug bill for our Nation's senior citizens.
  This Republican bill would force seniors who want prescription drug 
coverage to get it from private insurance companies. However, the bill 
provides no guarantee that individual seniors will have access to 
private insurance plans that cover prescription drug. Furthermore, even 
when coverage is offered, the premiums, deductibles and co-payments 
will vary widely, depending upon what plans are available in the area. 
Millions of seniors will not be able to afford to participate in these 
private insurance plans.
  The Republican bill would provide payments for prescription drugs to 
private health insurance companies--not patients themselves or their 
health care providers. Many private insurance companies have unfairly 
restricted health care for their patients in the past. Now is not the 
time to give these insurance companies additional government benefits.
  H.R. 4770, the alternative prescription drug bill proposed by the 
Democrats, would provide a guaranteed prescription drug benefit under 
Medicare to all seniors who want one. This bill would ensure that all 
seniors who choose to participate would pay the same low premiums and 
receive the same benefits, regardless of where they live. Moreover, 
low-income seniors who cannot afford to pay the premiums would not be 
denied prescription drug coverage under the Democratic alternative.
  It is time that Congress make prescription medicines available to all 
seniors who need them. I urge my colleagues to oppose this Republican 
giveaway to private insurance companies and support the Democratic 
alternative.

                          ____________________