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Improving Medicare: Expanding Benefits, Providing Choices
WASHINGTON – The future of the Medicare program took a major step toward reform Tuesday with President Bush’s introduction of his proposal for 21st Century Medicare. U.S. Sen. John Cornyn expressed his support for the framework, and called on the Congress to modernize Medicare and provide more choices, including a prescription drug benefit to seniors who need it."I applaud the President for having the courage to put forth this bold initiative, despite what will certainly be loud criticism from those who support the status quo and have no plan of their own to strengthen and modernize this historic program,” Sen. Cornyn said. “Medicare is in dire need of reform, and needs to be strengthened now, not after the next election.” President Bush said in his State of the Union that seniors should have the same choice of health care plans that members of Congress and their staffs enjoy. But seniors who are satisfied with Medicare the way it is will be able to keep their existing plans. Under the President’s plan, all Medicare beneficiaries will have access to prescription drug coverage, choice of health care plans designed to fit their needs, choice of providers and hospitals, preventive care and protection from high out-of-pocket costs."The President’s critics will no doubt attempt to derail this plan in its infancy, lacking a reform plan of their own,” Cornyn said. “However, I expect the Congress will act, and act soon, to make the goals of strengthening and improving Medicare, and providing a prescription drug benefit for our seniors a reality, not just rhetoric.” Medicare was created by an act of Congress in 1965 to provide health care support to seniors and persons with disabilities. In the nearly 40 years since its inception, the needs of seniors, and advances in prescription drug technologies have far outstripped the capabilities of the Medicare system. The President requested more than $400 billion over the next decade to strengthen and reform Medicare, and provide a choice of prescription drug benefits to seniors.
