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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Tuesday, September 5, 2006
CONTACT: Yoni Cohen, (202) 225-3202
STARK WISHES MCCLELLAN GOOD NIGHT, AND GOOD LUCK
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Pete Stark (D-CA), Ranking Democrat on the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, today responded to Mark McClellan’s decision to step down as Medicare Administrator.
“I’m surprised Dr. McClellan spent so long trying to bail water from the Bush Administration’s sinking ship,” said Stark. “Dr. McClellan is smart to step down before at least seven million Medicare beneficiaries hit the prescription drug program’s donut hole. Had he waited much longer, he would have found few employers willing to hire an ex-Bush administration official.”
“The President’s signature health care initiative, the Medicare prescription drug program, continues to benefit big drug and insurance companies at taxpayers’ expense. While pharmaceutical firms and HMOs report billions in earnings, seniors and people with disabilities speak of limited savings, unexpected price increases, and poor public and private call center performance,” Stark continued.
“I hope the next Administrator places a renewed focus on oversight, shies away from partisan politics, and works to protect and preserve Medicare for future generations,” Stark concluded.
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