[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 30 (Thursday, March 9, 2006)]
[House]
[Page H795]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1015
       POSITIVE NEWS ABOUT THE MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION DRUG PROGRAM

  (Mr. WILSON of South Carolina asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, the Centers for Medicare 
and Medicaid Services recently reported that 61 percent of all Medicare 
beneficiaries in South Carolina have prescription drug coverage, and 
that almost 50 percent of the beneficiaries of the Second Congressional 
District where Orangeburg Prep is located have prescription drug 
coverage.
  Since November 15, more than 25 million people have chosen to 
participate in this new program and are now enjoying substantial 
savings on the cost of their prescription drugs compared to what they 
used to have to pay or did not pay with no coverage. The Sun News 
recently reported that Mary Simms of Lexington registered for the new 
benefit with her plan that now just costs her $15 a month, where she 
used to spend $80 on her prior plan.
  As the enrollment process continues, I encourage seniors throughout 
my State to join the millions of other Americans who are now benefiting 
from this valuable program which will enable them to live healthier, 
happier and longer lives.
  In conclusion, God bless our troops and we will never forget 
September 11.

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