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Statement of Senator Edward M. Kennedy on the Grassley-Baucus Proposal on Medicare

Date: June 5, 2003
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Senior Citizens Entitlements and the Safety Net Health Insurance

STATEMENT OF SENATOR EDWARD M. KENNEDY ON THE GRASSLEY-BAUCUS PROPOSAL ON MEDICARE

I commend Senator Grassley and Senator Baucus for their achievement. This bipartisan proposal is a major breakthrough in our effort to give senior citizens the prescription drug coverage under Medicare they need and deserve.

It assures every elderly American that they will have reliable coverage for the exorbitant cost of their prescription drugs, without being forced to give up the Medicare they love and the doctors they trust. It rejects the shameful efforts of those in Congress who have held this issue hostage for so long, as part of their cynical scheme to force seniors out of Medicare and into private insurance plans in order to get this needed coverage.

The fight is far from over. Democrats will continue to battle for the funds needed for full coverage, to protect seniors who already have prescription drug coverage, and for other needed improvements. I hope the Administration will give these issues as high a priority as their tax breaks for the wealthy.

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