Bush Administration's Drug Plan A Thinly Veiled Attack On Medicare

WASHINGTON- House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today regarding competing prescription drug proposals offered by the Bush Administration and House Democrats today:

"One of the most difficult things for Republicans in Washingtonto understand and accept is that America's seniors trust and rely on Medicare.  Thus, it's inexplicable that the Bush Administration's proposal for a prescription drug benefit is little more than a thinly veiled attack on Medicare.  It is designed to push seniors out of the Medicare program and into the arms of private insurance companies.  That is not what America's seniorswant or deserve.

In sharp contrast, Democrats will fight to add a prescription drug benefit to Medicare that is universal, affordable, guaranteed and voluntary.  That is precisely what America's seniorswant and deserve.  Our plan empowers seniors to make the choices that matter - the choices of doctors, hospitals, prescription drugs and pharmacies.  Unlike the Administration's proposal, our plan has no gimmicks or gaps in coverage."