    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2006, Book I)]
    [April 11, 2006]
    [Pages 705-707]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Following a Visit With Senior Citizens in Des Moines, Iowa
    April 11, 2006

        Senator Grassley and I are thrilled
    to be here. One of the things that's happening is that people around the
    country are beginning to realize there's a new prescription drug benefit
    for folks on Medicare. And it's very important for people to understand
    that this is a very beneficial program.
        And so I'm spending time today and tomorrow, as I have in previous
    months, reminding people that it doesn't cost anything to look--that
    people ought to take a look

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    and see what this good program does for people.
        I want to thank Senator Grassley. He
    was very instrumental in getting this important piece of legislation
    through the Congress. One of the things I remember him saying to me is
    that ``as we pass a Medicare bill, let's make sure that Iowa rural
    hospitals are taken care of.'' In other words, he was deeply concerned
    to make sure Medicare was modernized, so seniors have choices and a
    prescription drug coverage, but he was also concerned to make sure that
    rural health was available for the citizens of Iowa and around the
    country. And Senator Grassley has been a strong leader in this effort.
        I strongly urge the seniors here in Iowa to take a look. So far
    about 29 million seniors have signed up around the country. I met with
    some folks today that have saved good money. Today, for example, I met
    with Helen and Debbie. Helen saved $200 a month in her prescription drug
    coverage, and she convinced her friend, Debbie, to take a look at the
    Medicare prescription drug plan. Debbie now saves $1,200 a month--saves
    $1,200 a month.
        So I urge people not to listen to the noise and all the politics--
    just get that out of the system--and see whether or not the prescription
    drug coverage makes sense. If you're a poor senior, this program will
    help you a lot. As a matter of fact, the Government pays nearly--over 95
    percent of the benefits for poor seniors.
        Every senior is saving money, and that's what people have got to
    know. There is an easy way to find out how the program works, and that's
    to call 1-800-MEDICARE, or you can go on the computer systems at
    medicare.gov. Here we're seeing some of our fellow citizens reaching out
    to seniors to explain the program. And this is happening all across the
    country. I want to thank those who are here for helping our fellow
    citizens understand what's available. I fully recognize that when you
    have a variety of choices from which to choose, it can be a little
    confusing at first. In other words, people get on the computer and say,
    ``Look at all these different options.''
        But the good thing about the programs and the people who are willing
    to help is that they can design a program that meets your needs. And
    that's really important. Now, if you're a son or a daughter whose mom or
    dad is Medicare-eligible, please help your parent; please do your duty.
    If you're in a church or a community center, find an elderly citizen who
    has yet to sign up for Medicare and show him or her what is possible.
    This is a good program for our seniors. It is a good deal, and it's very
    important for seniors to sign up prior to May 15th.
        And so I'm thrilled to be back in your State, Senator. Iowa has got a special spot in my heart. I bring
    greetings from the First Lady Bush. And I also,
    again, encourage the citizens here in Iowa and around the country who
    are eligible for Medicare, to make sure you look at the program. And
    again, I remind you of the examples of Helen and Debbie. Debbie's case
    is an extraordinary case, where she is receiving a lot of help. And
    that's what we want this program to do, is to provide people with a lot
    of help.
        So thank you very much. The Senator
    and I look forward to greeting you personally. Appreciate you letting us
    come by to say hello.

    Note: The President spoke at 3:20 p.m. at Wesley Acres retirement
    community. A tape was not available for verification of the content of
    these remarks.

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