Ginny discussed seniors' health care needs with one of her constituents

Washington, D.C., Sep 19 -

When I first came to Congress in 2003, one of the main concerns of 5th District residents was the lack of prescription drug coverage in Medicare.  Just about every person I met mentioned that their family members, their friends, or their coworkers had trouble affording their prescription drugs.  I heard their message and came to Congress to find a solution and get something done for America’s seniors.

As a member of the Prescription Drug Task Force, I heard testimony from seniors, groups like AARP, and representatives of the pharmaceutical companies.  After more than 40 years of failing to get a prescription drug plan included in Medicare, I was proud to be one of the Members who voted to give American seniors the first ever coverage for prescription drugs.

In 2003, after strong bipartisan negotiations between Republicans and Democrats, we passed a comprehensive bill that was eventually signed into law.  This new coverage, commonly referred to as Medicare Part D, gave seniors access to prescription drugs through Medicare for the first time in history.  This was a true accomplishment for the American people and one of the proudest moments in my career.

Since then, nearly 40 million seniors have enrolled in the plan of their choice, getting low-cost prescription drugs and saving money at the same time.  No longer are seniors forced to choose between cutting pills or traveling to see their grandkids.

The good news is that for 2009, the fifth year of Medicare Part D, average monthly premiums are projected to be about $28.  This is 37 percent lower than originally projected when the plan was established in 2003.  Cost savings and free market competition have lowered costs to both the government and the consumer, and have led to better care for 5th District seniors.  In fact, most non-partisan studies show that more that 80 percent of Medicare Part D users are satisfied with their coverage and happy with their plan.

Unfortunately, there have been attempts by some in Congress to roll back your Medicare Part D benefit.  They have tried to reduce the benefits you receive, sending them instead to upper income families and to provide health benefits for illegal immigrants.  I have consistently fought efforts to reduce Medicare coverage, and will continue to do so in the future.

In the meantime, for those of you currently receiving prescription drug benefits through Medicare Part D, please send me a note to let me know your thoughts on the plan.