Grace Napolitano: “we have long talked, over the years that I have been serving in Congress, about prescription drug plans and how we can…”

“we have long talked, over the years that I have been serving in Congress, about prescription drug plans and how we can effectively deal with the countless seniors who have not been covered over the years and who continue to call our offices and come to us for assistance. Many of our seniors have been forced to choose between buying essential medications, paying for food, and I know some of them who have subsisted, when their money does not stretch far enough, by buying canned pet food for their meals. They also have to figure out how to buy their essentials: pay their rent and pay for the heat during the winter, or cool off during the hot summer weather months that we have. Women seniors, in particular, need prescription drug coverage. Over a quarter of them have no prescription drug coverage. Our Democratic plan is voluntary. Seniors who would choose to participate would pay a $25 monthly premium, $100 annual deductible, and 20 percent of their prescription drugs, up to $25,000 a year. We have talked about prescription drug benefits long enough. It is time to give seniors what they deserve, a comprehensive, reliable, affordable plan.”