[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 13442]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                          MEDICARE Rx 2000 ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                             HON. JIM KOLBE

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 28, 2000

  Mr. KOLBE. Mr. Speaker, I believe every senior citizen should have 
insurance coverage for prescription drugs. Pharmaceuticals are 
increasingly an important part of modern medicine, and the cost of 
prescription drugs is rising faster than most seniors can afford. The 
truth is, however, that most seniors already have drug coverage, and 
some have excellent coverage. According to the Health Care Financing 
Administration (HCFA), 65% of Medicare beneficiaries already have 
prescription drug coverage, either through their former employer, 
through Medicaid or through the Medicare+Choice program.
  Unfortunately, over 13 million remaining seniors have no prescription 
drug coverage at all. Often, these individuals are low-income seniors 
or people with large prescription drug costs (due to multiple 
medications). Sadly, these people often must choose between buying 
groceries or taking their medication. This travesty must not continue 
unabated.
  I believe we can help low-income seniors while preserving and 
strengthening Medicare for current beneficiaries and future 
generations. Moreover, I think we can do this without increasing 
premiums of jeopardizing the fiscal stability of Medicare.
  H.R. 4680, the bipartisan Medicare prescription drug bill 
accomplishes these goals.
  For those seniors who have drug coverage, the bipartisan plan won't 
change a thing. These seniors would continue to enjoy the benefits of 
their existing plan, if they choose. For those seniors who do not have 
coverage, this plan will help them obtain coverage through Medicare. By 
doing this, the federal government can reduce drug prices for all 
seniors.
  Specifically, H.R. 4680 would:
  Lower drug prices and expand access to prescription drugs for all 
beneficiaries.
  Protect seniors against higher drug prices and runaway out-of-pocket 
costs.
  Subsidize insurance premiums and prescription drug purchases for low-
income seniors.
  Expand an individual's right to choose the coverage that best suits 
their needs through a voluntary and universally-offered benefit.
  Preserve and protect Medicare to keep the program solvent for our 
children and grandchildren.
  Ensure that today's scientific research and medical innovation will 
continue to find tomorrow's cures.
  Invest $40 billion to modernize and strengthen Medicare.
  I encourage my colleagues to support this bill.




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