[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 163 (Saturday, December 17, 2005)]
[House]
[Page H12055]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      MEDICARE INFORMED CHOICE ACT

  (Mr. LIPINSKI asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, there is one issue of great concern that I 
hear about over and over again when I am back home, the needlessly 
complicated Medicare prescription drug program.
  Seniors are confused and frustrated as they attempt to study 60 plans 
in order to first decide whether to join and then to choose a plan to 
sign up for. Many are simply giving up.
  I have already held half a dozen informational seminars on the 
program and every session has been packed. There is clearly a problem.
  Congress could and should make the progress better, more affordable, 
and less confusing by allowing Medicare to negotiate prices with drug 
companies. But the very least that Congress must do is pass a Medicare 
Informed Choice Act which would delay the enrollment penalty, prevent 
beneficiaries from losing their employer-based coverage, and allow 
seniors to switch plans if they make a mistake.
  Given the current confusion, it is essential that we allow 
beneficiaries to take their time, check the facts, and know their 
options without being rushed to choose. We owe no less to our seniors.

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