[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 14]
[House]
[Pages 18711-18712]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  DEMOCRATS WORK TO FILL THE DOUGHNUT HOLE SO SENIORS DON'T LOSE DRUG 
                                COVERAGE

  (Mr. CARNAHAN asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, there is an old saying that goes, if it 
ain't broke, don't fix it. Well, just the opposite is true when it 
comes to the Republican prescription drug plan that is seriously 
broken. We must fix it.
  This week, the average American senior will be denied payment of 
their drug costs through the private plans they have selected because 
they have fallen into the so-called doughnut hole. Under the Republican 
plan, seniors lose drug coverage after they have spent $2,250 in out-
of-pocket costs, and they won't be eligible for more assistance until 
they have spent $5,100 for the year.
  It is expected that more than half of the seniors who fall into the 
doughnut hole will not be able to escape it. This is simply not fair. 
Many seniors on fixed incomes will be forced to cut back on their 
prescriptions, regardless of the consequences to their health.
  Democrats in this Congress want to take a new direction to eliminate 
the doughnut hole. We believe that any prescription drug plan should 
provide enough monthly assistance so seniors no longer have to choose 
between putting food on their table or having the prescription drugs 
they need to live longer and healthier lives.

[[Page 18712]]



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