FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CONTACT:
Pamela Causey 202-216-8378
Kim Wright 202-216-8414

THE NATIONAL COMMITTEE TO PRESERVE SOCIAL SECURITY AND MEDICARE
~ 4 Million Seniors ~ One Voice ~No Privatization ~

March 15, 2007

Endorsement Statement for Congressman's Doggett's Bill,
the “Prescription Coverage Now Act of 2007”

Congressman Doggett, thank you very much for inviting me here today.

My members understand all too well how hard it is for those on fixed incomes to keep up with the skyrocketing cost of prescription drugs. I certainly have had my differences with the Medicare Modernization Act. I was bitterly disappointed that traditional fee-for-service Medicare was not able to offer its own prescription drug plan so that the government could use the bargaining power of millions of beneficiaries to negotiate for lower prescription drug prices. I'm also certainly disturbed by other parts of the bill. However the MMA is now law and we need accept it while working to improve it.

While there are many things I would change about the MMA, the National Committee has always encouraged low-income seniors to apply for Part D's low-income subsidies, known as Extra Help. This valuable assistance is one of the bill's few highlights, as it can significantly reduce or eliminate a beneficiary's premium, deductible, and co-pays.

But the Extra Help benefit can't help those who don't know about it and don't sign up. Unfortunately, there are millions of Medicare beneficiaries out there who are eligible for the help but are not receiving it. Most of these beneficiaries have not signed up for Part D and are currently without any form of prescription drug coverage. I believe that is a travesty.

Clearly, your legislation addresses the important need for change. The government can and must do a better job of identifying and enrolling seniors who are eligible for Extra Help. Your bill has many provisions designed to expedite and streamline this process.

I am also pleased that your bill raises the unrealistic asset limits for Extra Help eligibility. The asset test has proven to be the biggest barrier in delivering prescription drug benefits to some of our country's most vulnerable Medicare beneficiaries. Our government should not punish seniors who were able with great difficulty to save over their working years to build a small nest egg for their emergency expenses.

On behalf of the more than 4 million members and supporters of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, I am proud to support the “Prescription Coverage Now Act.” About one-third of your colleagues already support this bill – I urge the rest to get on board today. Millions of low-income seniors struggle every single day to pay for the prescription drugs they need to keep alive and healthy. They should not have to wait one day longer get the help they were promised when Part D was created.

Thank you Congressman Doggett, for your leadership on this issue. The National Committee looks forward to working with you to pass this important legislation.