[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 8]
[House]
[Page 10103]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    PRESCRIPTION DRUG CARD A BENEFIT

  (Mr. BROWN of South Carolina asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BROWN of South Carolina. On May 3, 2004, constituents of the 
First Congressional District of South Carolina began signing up for 
their new Medicare discount card. The enrollment fee for the discount 
card will range from zero to $30 per eligible person.
  The discount card will save the seniors and disabled Medicare 
beneficiaries of my district between 10 and 25 percent off the retail 
price of most drugs. In addition to the discounts, seniors whose income 
is below $12,569 for individuals and $16,862 for married couples may 
qualify for an additional $600 credit to cover the full cost of their 
prescription.
  Military retirees can now enroll in Medicare Part B without a late 
enrollment penalty through December 31, 2004.
  Many seniors and disabled Medicare recipients have been waiting a 
long time for Medicare prescription drug coverage. I am proud that this 
Congress has answered their call.

                              {time}  1030

  This discount card is just the beginning of more health care options 
and a greater quality of life for our seniors.

                          ____________________