    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book II)]
    [November 15, 2003]
    [Pages 1545-1546]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    The President's Radio Address
    November 15, 2003

        Good morning. This week I traveled to Florida to visit with seniors
    about an important goal for my administration and this Nation. After
    years of debate and deadlock, the Congress is finishing work on the
    biggest improvements in senior health care coverage in nearly 40 years.
        Some important details of the Medicare legislation have to be worked
    out, but leaders in both the House and the Senate have already agreed to
    four clear-cut improvements to Medicare.
        First, within 6 months of Medicare reform law, all seniors would be
    eligible for a Medicare-approved drug discount card. This card would
    give seniors an immediate 10- to 25-percent savings on the cost of their
    medicines. For seniors with typical drug costs of $1,285 a year, the
    card would deliver annual savings of up to $300. And for low-income
    seniors, the discount card would include a $600 annual credit toward
    drug costs.
        Second, beginning in 2006, we would establish Medicare prescription
    drug coverage for all seniors who want it, at a monthly premium of about
    $35. For most seniors without coverage today, the new coverage would cut
    their annual drug bills roughly in half.
        Third, seniors with the greatest need will get the most help. Low-
    income seniors would pay a reduced premium or no premium at all for the
    new drug coverage. And low-income seniors would also have lower
    copayments for their medicines.
        Fourth, our seniors would enjoy more choices in their health
    coverage, including the same kind of choices that Members of Congress
    and other Federal employees enjoy. If seniors have more choices, health
    plans will compete for their business by offering better coverage at
    affordable prices.
        The choices we support include the choice of remaining in the
    traditional Medicare program. Some seniors don't want change, and if
    you're a senior who wants to stay in the current Medicare system, you
    will have that option. And with that option, you will also be able to
    get Medicare-approved prescription drug coverage.

    [[Page 1546]]

        Some seniors may choose a new Medicare-approved private plan that
    includes a drug benefit, along with other options. Such options could
    include coverage for extended hospital stays or protection against high
    out-of-pocket medical expenses. Others may prefer managed care plans.
    Under the approach I support, seniors would have these options as well.
        American seniors are calling for these improvements. Among the
    seniors I met in Florida was Marge MacDonald. Marge and her husband Mac do
    not have prescription drug coverage, and they are frustrated. Here is
    what Marge says: ``I'm tired of the talk. Sooner or later, somebody
    needs to do something.'' Marge is right. The time for delay and deadlock
    has passed. Now is the time for action.
        I ask seniors and all Americans to speak up, to call and write your
    Representatives and Senators and urge them to work out a final bill.
    Congress has an historic opportunity to give all our seniors
    prescription drug coverage, health care choices, and a healthier, more
    secure retirement. We must make these improvements this year, during
    this session of Congress. And with your help, we will get the job done.
        Thank you for listening.

    Note: The address was recorded at 10:35 a.m. on November 14 in the
    Cabinet Room at the White House for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on November
    15. The transcript was made available by the Office of the Press
    Secretary on November 14 but was embargoed for release until the
    broadcast. The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish
    language transcript of this address.