WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Pete Stark (D-CA), Ranking Democrat on the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, today cited CMS’ latest Medicare prescription drug enrollment numbers as evidence that the Bush Administration’s numerous town meetings to promote the program are failing. Although the Administration initially projected 40.7 million seniors and people with disabilities would sign-up in 2006, only 26.5 million beneficiaries currently have prescription drug coverage through Part D or through an employer who is receiving a Medicare subsidy. Less than nine million beneficiaries have enrolled voluntarily.

“Despite President Bush’s cross-country dog and pony show, millions of seniors have yet to sign up for a prescription drug plan,” said Representative Stark. “I don’t blame them. After this President lied about Iraqi weapons of mass destruction, I too have a hard time taking anything he says at face value. The President’s failure to reach his own Medicare prescription drug enrollment projection suggests a broader problem, the death of a salesman. With less than two years remaining in office, Bush has become unable to sell his domestic policy priorities.”

In December of 2003, Administration actuaries estimated 40.7 Medicare beneficiaries would take advantage of the prescription drug program in 2006. But after mass confusion ensued during the first several months of implementation, Administration officials moved the goalposts, claiming their target was 28-30 million. Representative Stark, conversely, continued to work toward maximum enrollment by introducing H.R. 3861, the Medicare Informed Choice Act. Stark’s legislation would extend open enrollment through December 31, 2006 and waive the late enrollment penalty.

“I call on the Bush Administration not to lower expectations, but to raise them. A one-time extension of the May 15 enrollment deadline would give seniors and people with disabilities the time they need to navigate the unnecessarily complex drug program. According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, an extension would enable an additional 1.1 million people to sign up this year – and lower late-enrollment penalties for 10 million Medicare beneficiaries for the rest of their lives.”