[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 34, Number 27 (Monday, July 6, 1998)]
[Page 1295]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on New Medicare Benefits

July 1, 1998

    I am pleased to announce that starting today Medicare will cover two 
new preventive benefits to help detect osteoporosis and manage diabetes. 
These important benefits were part of the Balanced Budget Act I signed 
into law last year, which contained the most significant reforms in 
Medicare since the program's enactment in 1965.
    Medicare's new prevention benefits will provide older Americans the 
tools they need to fight some of our most devastating chronic diseases. 
While one out of two women over the age of 50 will have an osteoporosis-
related fracture during her lifetime, many women are not aware that they 
have this disease until they have a broken bone or fracture. I am 
extremely pleased that the First Lady, Mrs. Gore, and Secretary Shalala 
will be helping to publicize this new benefit to help women detect this 
disease early. Also, the new diabetes benefit is critical to the over 7 
million Medicare beneficiaries who suffer from this disease. This 
benefit is part of our diabetes initiative that the American Diabetes 
Association believes is ``as important to people with diabetes as the 
discovery of insulin in 1921.''
    This month marks the 33d anniversary of the Medicare program--one of 
our Nation's most important commitments to older Americans and people 
with disabilities. I am extremely pleased that we can strengthen this 
important program and help some of our most vulnerable Americans stay 
healthier and stronger.