Political Quotes

“At the heart of what this debate is all about is a clear choice, whether we should provide a prescription drug benefit for seniors through the Medicare program or whether we should send money to insurance companies to induce them to provide a coverage that at the present time they have said they do not want to write, prescription drug coverage for seniors. I used to be an insurance commissioner. For 8 years it was my responsibility to protect the seniors from insurance companies in the State of North Dakota. There has not been a Member of this body that spent more time talking to seniors about insurance than me, and directions that I have received from seniors on this issue are absolutely consistent and absolutely clear. They want Medicare coverage for prescription drugs. Not a single senior has said to me, please, I want to go buy another insurance policy; please send me more agents, I want to hear what they have to say; please give me that fine print, it is fascinating and I want to read some more of it; and by the way, I want to deal with insurance companies because I so enjoy wondering whether they are going to pay that claim or whether they will not; I so enjoy wondering whether they are going to be there when I need them or whether they will be gone and out of business. No senior has said that. It is ludicrous on its face. They know Medicare. Medicare covers their hospital bills.”