The Republican leadership's legislation does not apply to the individual insurance market and therefore excludes millions of Americans.

The right to an appeal is meaningless if health plans can disregard these decisions.

While we have serious concerns with H.R. 4250, the President remains committed to passing a strong, enforceable and bipartisan patients' bill of rights this year.

Congress has to act to ensure that every American is protected by a Patients' Bill of Rights.

Medical care delayed might as well be denied.

It is a fiscally responsible plan that finances itself by charging an affordable premium up front and a small payment later to ensure that this places no new burdens on Medicare.

By detecting cancer early on, we offer our loved ones one of the greatest gifts of all, the gifts of life, health, and many holidays to come.

We're also implementing expanded Medicare benefits to provide greater protection to Americans in the fight against cancer.

For the first time we'll now cover regular examinations for colon/rectal cancer.

Today I'd like to talk to you about how we're expanding the shield of Medicare protection.

We created a blue ribbon commission to examine ways to ensure that Medicare will serve baby boomers and our children as well as it has served our parents.

We extended the life of the Medicare Trust Fund until at least 2010.

We will guarantee the option of annual mammograms for every woman over 40.

We're expanding coverage for the early detection of cervical cancer.

By making mammograms more accessible and detecting cancer earlier, we can significantly increase the likelihood of successful treatment for this disease.

We saved Medicare for another decade.

Medicare is more than just a program; it reflects our values.

With this new children's health initiative, we can provide millions of children the coverage they need to grow up healthy and strong.