Tom Harkin: “Because Governor Bush's program is not Medicare; it is welfare. What seniors want is they want Medicare, they do not…”

“Because Governor Bush's program is not Medicare; it is welfare. What seniors want is they want Medicare, they do not want welfare. Look at the States. To sign up for Medicare, seniors fill out long, complex applications in 26 States. They must meet an extensive asset and income test in 41 States. And they have to sign up in the welfare office in 34 States. Maybe that is why only 55 percent of eligible seniors sign up for Medicaid compared to 98 percent who sign up for Medicare. That is what the Bush proposal would do: Send seniors to the local welfare office. Take your income tax returns down, take down other paperwork, fill it out, show them what your income and assets are, and then maybe--maybe--you will qualify. As I have said repeatedly, the seniors of this country want Medicare, they do not want welfare. The Bush plan would put them on welfare. Then, after the 4 years--the first 4 years of the Bush block grant-- then what does his proposal do? His proposal turns it over to the HMOs. So it gets even worse. The long-term plan under Governor Bush is tied to privatizing Medicare, a move that would raise premiums and force seniors to join HMOs. Under the Bush drug plan, there would be radical changes in Medicare--radical changes. You would not recognize it today. Premiums for regular Medicare would increase 25 to 47 percent in the first year alone.”