John Kerry's statement on reported Medicare Prescription Drug deal... [View All]

http://www.johnkerry.com/pressroom/releases/pr_2003_1112c.html

November  12,  2003

For Immediate Release

John Kerry said,  “The Medicare prescription drug benefit deal reached by Republicans is a raw deal for America’s seniors and a big windfall for the big drug companies.  It makes a dangerous move towards Medicare privatization with new provisions to force seniors into private HMOs and higher premiums for those who stay in traditional Medicare. It undermines benefits for those who have retiree coverage today and does nothing to contain the spiraling costs of prescription drugs.  And at the same time they are hurting seniors, the Bush Administration manages to reward prescription drug companies with a plan that will increase their profits by $139 billion.   Hard-pressed seniors need a real affordable prescription drug benefit that puts them ahead of the multi-billion dollar drug companies that fund George Bush's campaign. This is the wrong prescription.”