BLUNT: MODERN MEDICARE A REALITY FOR SENIORS
12.8.2003

WASHINGTON---House Majority Whip Roy Blunt (Mo.) today praised President Bush’s signing of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003. With his signature, the promise of a modern Medicare is a reality for millions of seniors:

“Seniors across this country have been hurting for far too long, often having to choose between food for their tables and life-saving prescription drugs.

“In 1965, President Johnson signed Medicare into law, and in 2003, President Bush and Congress modernized this program that millions of seniors depend on.

“For the first time in Medicare’s history, a prescription drug benefit will be offered to all 40 million seniors and disabled Americans to help them afford the cost of their medicines. 

“And Americans of all ages can benefit from the creation of health savings accounts, which will give individuals more control over the costs of their health care and access to affordable, flexible coverage.

“Now, Medicare has caught up with the marvels of modern medicine. The 108th Congress put aside partisan politics and provided the president with a bill to strengthen Medicare for America’s seniors and future generations.

“And today, after years of debate and deadlock, Congress and the president delivered for today’s seniors and future generations who will rely on Medicare and prescription drugs.”