[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 15 (Monday, April 17, 2006)]
[Pages 693-694]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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 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

[[Page 694]]

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.