[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 152 (Wednesday, November 16, 2005)]
[House]
[Page H10231]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            MEDICARE HISTORY

  (Mr. HULSHOF asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. HULSHOF. Mr. Speaker, today, senior citizens across America can 
sign up for the new Medicare prescription drug benefit that will save 
them money on medicines that they need. Many are concerned that the 
program with its many choices is too confusing, not to mention the 
mixed signals being sent by this House. Health care can be complicated, 
but saving money on prescription drugs that senior citizens need should 
not be. We have a responsibility to help seniors save money, not scare 
them away from these critical new benefits.
  Back in 1966, many people thought that the original Medicare hospital 
insurance plan was too confusing. Then, as now, volunteers were trying 
to help seniors enroll, even going door to door. Back in 1966, not all 
seniors answered the door; and as a result, millions failed to enroll 
in the first round of benefits before the initial sign-up window had 
closed. ``I think the problems ahead will be vast,'' said Democrat 
Senator Abraham Ribicoff in the spring of 1966. ``The encouraging 
fact,'' he added, ``is a willingness to cooperate, despite the earlier 
strong opposition to Medicare, to make it work. I am sure it will,'' he 
said.
  I share Senator Ribicoff's optimism. Older Americans have flooded the 
Medicare hotline and Web site, and they are attending workshops in 
America's senior centers in large numbers.
  It is natural for many seniors to have questions. I urge this House 
to help our constituents deal with this new benefit.

                          ____________________