Political Quotes

“the current Medicare debate highlights the need for fundamental changes in the way that health care is provided in the United States. The Medicare prescription drug bill currently before the House fails to address any of the fundamental problems in our health care system. The need for affordable prescription drugs for our Nation's seniors is one component of the health care reform needed in the United States. And just like last year, this House will pass a Medicare prescription drug bill that fails millions of Americans. The current plan will perpetuate the inequalities in health care suffered by poor and rural Americans, as this plan hurts both groups. Seniors with incomes between 135 and 150 percent of the Federal poverty level will pay the same deductible and copays as someone with an income 300, 500 or 1,000 percent of the poverty level. The only relief is a sliding scale premium. Those with incomes 150 to 200 percent of poverty will receive no relief at all. Rural Americans have already faced severe restrictions in their choice of providers. And in 2003, only 19 percent of rural Medicare beneficiaries have the option of enrolling in a Medicare managed care plan. These seniors are likely to face similar restrictions in the choice of prescription drug plans, without a fall-back prescription plan through Medicare. This discrimination against certain seniors is intolerable.”