[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 35 (Thursday, March 18, 2004)]
[House]
[Page H1233]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                THE RIGHT PRESCRIPTION FOR BETTER HEALTH

  (Mr. REHBERG asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. REHBERG. Mr. Speaker, I am proud of the Medicare prescription 
drug legislation we passed not long ago that will give more seniors 
more access to prescription drugs at lower costs. Sadly, a lot of 
seniors have not gotten the word yet. They have not heard that Medicare 
will now give seniors choice and control over their prescription drug 
plans. They have not heard that Medicare will now pay 75 percent of 
drug costs and 95 percent of catastrophic drug costs. They have not 
heard that those who choose to enroll in the prescription drug program 
will receive discount cards this spring entitling them to save up to 25 
percent off the cost of their medications. In fact, by 2006, seniors 
who have elected to sign up for their new prescription benefit will pay 
a monthly premium of as little as $35.
  On top of that, low-income seniors will receive a $600 cash subsidy 
to defray the costs of their medications. Plus, those with incomes 
below the Federal poverty level will see their drug bills virtually 
eliminated. Their deductible and monthly premiums will be waived, and 
their copays will be as little as $1 per prescription.
  Groups like AARP, the American Medical Association, and the American 
Hospital Association agree, we have given seniors the right 
prescription to better health.

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