[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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