[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 20]
[House]
[Page 26906]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                           HEALTH CARE REFORM

  (Ms. SCHWARTZ asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Ms. SCHWARTZ. Mr. Speaker, central to finding a uniquely American 
solution to America's health care challenges is strengthening Medicare 
for our Nation's seniors. Our health care reform effort renews our 
commitment to the health and security of American seniors by ensuring 
the long-term fiscal health of Medicare and improving the quality of 
care that seniors receive. The House bill adds valuable new benefits 
for seniors and improves access to primary care.
  Seniors now pay up to 20 percent of the cost of preventive services 
like mammograms and colonoscopies and vaccines. As of January 1, 2011, 
seniors will no longer have to pay any copay for preventive services. 
This is a major win for America's seniors.
  Health care reform also sets us on a path to close the coverage gap 
in Medicare part D, known as the doughnut hole. In 2011, Medicare will 
pay $50 more for seniors to get drugs, and they will receive a 50 
percent discount on brand name drugs. Health care is good for our 
seniors. Health care is good for America. Now is the time to act.

                          ____________________