[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 7]
[House]
[Page 9236]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                                MEDICARE

  (Ms. PRYCE of Ohio asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute.)
  Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, beginning May 3, seniors across the 
country can take the first steps towards a much-needed prescription 
drug benefit when they enroll in the new Medicare prescription drug 
discount card.
  The plan gives seniors the power of choice. Seniors will select from 
a host of prescription discount drug cards and choose the best option 
suited to their very own needs. On average, seniors will save 10 to 25 
percent on their prescriptions.
  Not only that, but choice encourages competition. Private companies 
will be making their prices available for seniors to compare. This, in 
turn, will foster new, lower prices in an effort to secure seniors' 
business. We already see this happening. By giving the seniors the 
choices they need, we also give them lower prices.
  Mr. Speaker, the Medicare prescription drug coverage card is long 
overdue. I am proud of Republicans for providing a viable solution to 
America's seniors, and I encourage seniors across the country to take 
advantage of these added benefits.

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