[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 158 (Wednesday, October 28, 2009)]
[House]
[Page H11984]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HEALTH REFORM IS GOOD FOR SENIORS

  (Ms. SCHWARTZ asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. SCHWARTZ. Central to finding a uniquely American solution to our 
Nation's health care challenges is a focus on strengthening Medicare 
for our Nation's seniors.
  Our health care reform efforts renew our commitment to the health and 
security of America's seniors by ensuring the long-term fiscal health 
of Medicare and improving the quality of care for our seniors. The 
House bill adds valuable new benefits for our seniors and improves 
access to primary care.
  I strongly advocated for ending the copayment that seniors pay for 
preventive services. Right now seniors pay up to 20 percent of the cost 
of services such as mammograms, colonoscopies, and vaccines. As of 
January 1, 2011, seniors will no longer have to pay the copay for 
preventive services. This is a major win for America's seniors.
  Health care reform also sets us on a path to close the coverage gap 
in the Medicare part D prescription drug plan known as the ``doughnut 
hole.'' In 2011, Medicare will pay $500 more and will continue to add 
benefits until we eliminate this gap in coverage for drug services.
  Health care reform is a win for seniors. Now is the time to act.

                          ____________________