Orrin Hatch: “our health care system has increased the lifespan and quality of life of our citizens. Our population is aging; people…”

“our health care system has increased the lifespan and quality of life of our citizens. Our population is aging; people with chronic conditions are living longer. The number of Medicare beneficiaries is increasing and will continue to increase as baby boomers retire. As I have listened to the debate over the last two weeks, I think we can all agree on one thing, the seniors in this Nation deserve the best possible health care, of which prescription drug coverage is a vital component. All of us want to provide Medicare beneficiaries with prescription drug coverage this year. Unfortunately we do not agree on how this coverage should be provided. I support the Tripartisan bill for several simple reasons. The Tripartisan bill operates on the fundamental principles of efficiency, quality, and choice. It balances all of the issues and provides a permanent solution--all of which result in cost savings and affordability. Balance is a key point here. We do not offer a plan that cannot be sustained, resulting in bigger problems down the road. We do not offer a plan that ends abruptly. We do not offer a plan offering everything to everyone, knowing full well that it cannot work, as the Graham-Kennedy bill does. We provide Medicare beneficiaries with four key elements: First; Choice. Giving seniors the right to choose a plan and the right to choose a particular medication is the greatest benefit we can offer Medicare beneficiaries.”