[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 16]
[House]
[Page 21490]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                               MEDICARE D

  (Mr. GINGREY asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. GINGREY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in praise of a new Medicare 
part D prescription drug benefit that is available to all seniors 
beginning January 1, 2006.
  This week, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid released information 
on organizations offering prescription drug plans in each of our 50 
States, and the opportunity for sign-up begins November 15.
  This announcement holds great news for seniors across America. In 
every State, seniors will have a choice among plan providers. In my 
home State of Georgia, for example, seniors will be able to choose from 
18 different plans, ensuring they can find one that best suits their 
individual needs.
  Mr. Speaker, there is more good news for our seniors. Not only will 
they be eligible for prescription drug coverage from a range of 
organizations, but they will receive this benefit for less money than 
previously expected, in some cases, for a premium as low as $20 a 
month. This is the power of competition, and our seniors will benefit 
from it. We do not need government price controls. The free market 
works.
  Mr. Speaker, for years, our seniors have struggled with the rising 
cost of prescription drugs, in some cases going without medicine they 
need to stay healthy. With Medicare part D, seniors will be able to 
reap the benefits of preventive care and live longer, healthier lives.

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