Bob Menendez: “as I have been traveling across the State of New Jersey on a listening tour, I have heard from countless seniors and…”

“as I have been traveling across the State of New Jersey on a listening tour, I have heard from countless seniors and their loved ones that the new prescription drug plan has brought much confusion, concern, and difficulty. In townhall meetings and in senior homes, these sentiments of puzzlement are echoed over and over again. Knowing the challenges seniors are facing, I am committed to doing whatever it takes to make this drug benefit something that helps instead of hurts, which is why I am speaking in support of Senator Nelson's amendment. This amendment will make sure that instead of penalizing our seniors for taking a little more time in choosing a plan, it will accommodate them. This amendment will make sure that instead of penalizing our seniors for choosing the wrong plan, it will give them the flexibility to change to the right one. It is already March 14, just about 2 months before the May 15 deadline for seniors to signup for a plan without being penalized by the late enrollment fee. And the tune I hear in New Jersey and across the country hasn't changed. Seniors need more time to figure out how the new program works and which drug plan is best for them. And it isn't just the seniors that need more time--let's not forget that the Federal Government needed more time, too.…”