ANGER AMONG SENIORS CONTRASTS WITH EUPHORIA AT WHITE HOUSE AS PRESIDENT SIGNS MEDICARE BILL

The following is the statement of Ron Pollack, Executive Director of Families USA, as President Bush signs the Medicare prescription drug legislation:

"As the Medicare legislation is signed into law, the euphoria at the White House contrasts very vividly with the disappointment, even anger, among America's seniors. The more seniors learn about the new law, the more they dislike it.

"Seniors' dismay about the Medicare legislation is caused by the bizarre and sparse drug benefit; the Congressional cave-in to the pharmaceutical lobby that will result in skyrocketing drug prices; and the lavish payments to insurance companies that are designed to push seniors into managed care plans. 

"Today's ceremony opens a new chapter on Medicare prescription drug legislation, as seniors become aware of the many shortcomings of the new law and demand changes."

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Families USA is the national organization for health care consumers. It is nonprofit and nonpartisan and advocates for high-quality, affordable health care for all Americans.

1201 New York Avenue NW, Suite 1100 · Washington, DC 20005
202-628-3030 · Email: info@familiesusa.org · www.familiesusa.org