NAN A. S. HAYWORTH: “if we are able to pass a plan this year, if the House, with all due deliberation and sense of purpose, is able to move…”

“if we are able to pass a plan this year, if the House, with all due deliberation and sense of purpose, is able to move this forward in the coming weeks and months in a very defined period of time, and the other body takes action, it can be on the President's desk and the President signs it into law. Simply stated, if we pass a plan this year, seniors can reap the benefits this year. It is what we hear again, prescription drug coverage now. Lower the cost of prescription drugs now. To lower those costs, imagine what a 25 percent discount up front in a prescription drug bill would mean to a senior? I spoke earlier of the average Medicare beneficiary, the average senior, spending $2,150. Imagine an instant benefit of over $500, of $540. Think about that, in terms of purchasing groceries, in terms of paying utility bills and other commitments, or money that can be saved so that seniors have the peace of mind to pay their bills on time, to continue to be responsible, productive, honored individuals.”