FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 12, 2001CONTACT: JENNIFER LAUDANO
(202) 628 - 3030
jlaudano@familiesusa.orgBUSH PRESCRIPTION DRUG AND MEDICARE PROPOSAL PROVIDES "PRECIOUS LITTLE RELIEF" FOR SENIORS
The following is the statement of Ron Pollack, executive director of Families USA, regarding President George W. Bush's proposal and statement of principles concerning prescription drugs and Medicare:
"President Bush's statement of principles about proposed changes in prescription drugs and Medicare for older Americans is a disappointment because it offers precious little relief for seniors.
"It is especially disappointing that the President has taken so long to produce so little - and what he did say was couched in very vague generalities with sparse programmatic content. This does not bode well for seniors who are looking for real and immediate help so they can afford needed medicines.
"The President is to be commended, however, for recognizing that prescription drug assistance should be provided to all senior citizens - unlike his previous 'Immediate Helping Hand' proposal. This is a long-awaited breakthrough that Congress can and should build on.
"Although the President's proposal to encourage the use of private-sector, drug-discount cards will provide some help to some seniors, it is no substitute for expanding Medicare prescription drug coverage for seniors. Such a modernization of the Medicare program is needed because it would not only provide crucial drug insurance coverage, but would enable the program to use its significant bargaining clout with the drug companies so that skyrocketing and unaffordable drug prices can be moderated."