Nancy L. Johnson: “Today, is an historic day for America's seniors. Congress is about to fulfill the promise and the potential of Medicare…”

“Today, is an historic day for America's seniors. Congress is about to fulfill the promise and the potential of Medicare, which has been one of our greatest success stories in our history; but when Medicare was created in 1965, prescription drugs were few and far between. Instead, painful and invasive surgeries were standard treatment; but now, with the health security of our seniors tied directly to medicines, medicines that extend life and restore hope, we must add prescription drugs to Medicare for all our seniors. A Medicare program without a drug benefit is a false promise in the 21st century. I am proud to stand here on this House floor and bring prescription drugs to Medicare for all of our seniors and a benefit that is simple, generous, and fair. It is simple because it pays 80 percent of the first $2,000 of drug costs; and it guarantees the peace of mind of our seniors, protecting them against catastrophic drug costs, covering all costs above $3,500. It is generous because the average senior spends $1,200 on prescription drugs every year. Yet in this bill we cover 80 percent of the cost up to $2,000. It is fair because it helps the low-income seniors more than any other group.”