Christopher John: “I rise today in order to express my frustrations with the consequences of the Republican plan. Today the last Medicare…”

“I rise today in order to express my frustrations with the consequences of the Republican plan. Today the last Medicare Choice HMO servicing the seventh district of Louisiana announced they are pulling out. This is not the case unique to Louisiana's seventh district. This is the case all over America, especially in rural America. In a few short years since inception of this Medicare+Choice, my seniors have been forced to change health services numerous times. The Republican prescription drug proposal would privatize prescription drug coverage in the same manner that Medicare+Choice privatized Medicare health care services. And this plan, too, is doomed to fail. Why would the Republicans choose to model a failed plan that has failed seniors? A prescription drug benefit is important to all seniors, not just geographically where they are from. The Democratic plan guarantees all seniors will have equal access to prescription drugs. The Democratic plan guarantees all seniors will pay the same for prescription drugs. I urge all of my colleagues to join with me in opposing the Republican unrealistic plan and support the Democratic plan.”