Rod Grams: “But his plan is not voluntary. You can voluntarily get in, but when you do not get in, you can't reapply. That is my…”

My understanding is that in order to be a part of the Vice President's plan of receiving prescription drug coverage, one must pay a $50 premium per month, or new tax, in order to be involved in the system. You have one choice, one chance…

It would cover 100 percent of everything over a $25 copay and a $150-a-month deductible for those who are in that income level or above.

Because what we are trying to do is target those who need the help, and that is about 6 or maybe 10 percent of the population. What the Vice President is doing and what you are talking about is bringing 100 percent of Americans under a new…

I disagree with the Vice President--if I may reclaim my time--and I will tell you why. Because, as you said, when it goes into effect in 2002, it is not fully implemented for 6 to 8 years. You might start off with a low payment, but it…