[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 2]
[House]
[Pages 2358-2359]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  ENCOURAGING NEWS ON MEDICARE PART D

  Mr. GINGREY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to speak out of 
turn.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the gentleman from 
Georgia is recognized for 5 minutes.
  There was no objection.
  Mr. GINGREY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share the encouraging news 
that more than 25 million seniors are now enjoying prescription drug 
coverage under Medicare Part D. This includes over 1.5 million 
Americans who have enrolled in the last month alone.
  Twenty-five million enrollees. That is 25 million seniors who are 
saving money every time they visit the pharmacy, 25 million seniors who 
have better access to drugs they need to prevent and manage their 
illnesses, 25 million seniors who can now afford protection from many 
catastrophic medical costs.
  Like many of my colleagues, Mr. Speaker, I am working incredibly hard 
to educate seniors about Medicare Part D. With any new program, parts 
of the enrollment process certainly can be confusing. After all, this 
is the largest enrollment effort since the introduction of Medicare 40 
years ago. But by investing a little time, seniors can narrow down 
their choices and find the plan that best fits their prescription drug 
needs. And let me assure you, the benefits of this program are 
undoubtedly worth that effort.
  I have been thanked by so many seniors who are now reaping the 
benefits of prescription drug coverage under Medicare, seniors who have 
seen their prescription drug costs drop by 50 percent or more, seniors 
who now have more money in their pockets at the end of the month.
  In fact, I would like to share with my colleagues two of the many 
success stories I have heard from my constituents regarding their 
positive experiences. I hope these stories will encourage other seniors 
to explore the savings Medicare Part D holds for them.
  Take the experience of Carol Burke. She lives in Newnan, Georgia, in 
my district, my wife's hometown. She recently wrote me, saying, ``I am 
disturbed by media commentators repeatedly referring to the Medicare 
drug plan as too difficult to understand and a total disaster. I never 
hear them say what I truly believe, that it is a wonderful benefit to 
those of us who have no retirement drug plan provided. A few hours 
spent with pencil and paper show that the choice to pay a slightly 
larger premium and have no deductible is clear. The suggestions given 
in the Medicare 2006 Guidebook are complete and easy to follow, and 
math is not my strong suit. Thank you for your efforts in providing 
this much-needed service to seniors.''
  Now, my colleagues, that is a real letter, and I completely agree 
with Mrs. Burke's assessment. It may take a little time to choose the 
right plan. Seniors might need to rely on family, friends and community 
organizations to help with the process. But a little time spent 
enrolling today will pay huge dividends in the upcoming

[[Page 2359]]

months and years, because affordable prescription drugs help seniors 
live healthier lives.

                              {time}  1615

  Let me share another story with you. I received a phone call from 
fellow Georgian Mr. Richard Mosrie who recently enrolled in the 
Medicare part D plan.
  Mr. Mosrie explained that he is now saving over $150 a month on his 
medications, $150 a month. Seniors across America understand what a 
difference a couple hundred dollars a month can make. These are the 
stories that seniors need to hear. These are the stories that are 
happening in every congressional district in America regardless of 
whether the Congressman or -woman is a Republican or a Democrat.
  I find it disappointing that there are people who attempt to use 
Medicare part D as a political ploy. How cruel to put partisanship over 
the health of our seniors by encouraging people not to enroll in this 
great program. That is, in essence, encouraging seniors not to save 
money and not to improve their health. So, Mr. Speaker, in the 
following months we will be hearing more and more positive stories from 
seniors who have enrolled in Medicare part D who are reaping financial 
and health rewards.
  The initial sign-up period runs through May 15, 2006, so there is 
still time for seniors to enroll without a premium penalty.
  As a physician, I know that access to the right medication is a 
bedrock of good health. Our seniors deserve affordable prescription 
drug coverage and Congress has passed good legislation to deliver this 
benefit.
  Now is the time for seniors to enroll, and I sincerely hope all of my 
colleagues from both sides of the aisle will stand with me in 
commitment to helping our seniors access the medication they need to 
stay well.

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