[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 19]
[House]
[Page 25983]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION DRUG COVERAGE

  (Mr. CARTER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. CARTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remind seniors all across 
America that they can sign up for Medicare prescription drug coverage 
starting today, November 15. As of January 1, 2006, Medicare begins 
offering participants drug coverage for citizens 65 and older. Medicare 
will work with employers and unions to ensure that people who currently 
receive prescription drug coverage through their employer or union will 
continue to do so.
  Like other insurance, if you join, you will pay a monthly premium, 
generally about $37, plus a share of the cost of the prescriptions. 
Costs may be different, depending on the drug plan you choose. Plans 
will vary in the prescription drugs covered, how much you have to pay, 
and the pharmacies you can use.
  All drug plans will have to provide at least a standard level of 
coverage which Medicare will set. Some plans may offer more coverage 
and additional drugs for higher monthly premiums. I encourage you to 
join the drug plan that best meets your needs.

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