[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 56 (Wednesday, May 10, 2006)]
[House]
[Page H2345]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CONGRESS SHOULD EXTEND THE MAY 15 DEADLINE ON THE MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION 
                               DRUG PLAN

  (Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute.)
  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the pharmaceutical 
industry influenced the passage of a Medicare prescription drug plan 
last year. It is not great, it is just all we got. The deadline is May 
15 for seniors to enroll in this program.
  If seniors are not enrolled in 5 days, they will face a financial 
penalty each month for the rest of their lives. Since it took effect at 
the beginning of this year, the logical problems of implementing this 
plan have proved enormous. Seniors across the Nation have complained 
about the confusing number of plans to choose from and the change in 
prescription benefits each offers.
  Research has shown that many of those who contact the Federal 
Government for help receive incorrect information or no information at 
all. It is no surprise then that millions of seniors have yet to select 
a drug plan.
  Now with only 5 days to select the right plan or face a steep 
penalty, these seniors find themselves under pressure to make the best 
decision for their health and their pocketbook.
  Mr. Speaker, serious health decisions require time and information. 
Our seniors deserve more.

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