FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Wednesday, May 10, 2006
CONTACT: Yoni Cohen, (202) 225-3202

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, House Republicans, lead by Ways and Means Health Subcommittee Chairwoman Nancy Johnson (CT-5), brought forth a meaningless resolution to encourage Medicare beneficiaries who have yet to sign up for a prescription drug plan to enroll before the May 15 deadline. About nine million seniors and people with disabilities continue to lack prescription drug coverage.

Representative Stark, Ranking Democrat on the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, tonight offered the gentlewoman the opportunity to amend her resolution so that it might actually increase enrollment. Stark’s amendment would have urged the Bush Administration to delay the May 15th enrollment deadline and waive the corresponding late enrollment penalty through the end of the year. According to the Congressional Budget Office, this change would cause more than 1 million additional Medicare beneficiaries to enroll in a Part D drug plan this year and would protect millions of beneficiaries from paying higher Part D premiums for the rest of their lives.

“Today, Mrs. Johnson and her Republican cohorts in Congress showed their true colors,” said Representative Stark. “Republicans are not interested in increasing enrollment in the prescription drug program. Rather, Republicans are only interested in scoring political points by making it appear that comprehensive coverage exists. If Mrs. Johnson truly wanted to expand participation, she would have accepted my amendment and helped an additional one million people sign up this year.”