FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Tuesday, May 16, 2006
CONTACT: Yoni Cohen, (202) 225-3202

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Representative Pete Stark (D-CA), Ranking Democrat on the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, today responded to Republican claims that Democrats encouraged seniors and people with disabilities not to enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan.

“Mirror, mirror, on the wall, what is the most dishonest Republican attack of them all?” asked Representative Stark. “Mrs. Johnson isn’t telling the truth when she attacks Democratic criticism of the Republican prescription drug program. Democrats did suggest the program would be significantly less costly and confusing if Republicans had created a prescription drug benefit in Medicare and required negotiation for lower prices. But Democrats also encouraged people to sign up by holding events and sending helpful newsletters. In addition, Democrats tried to extend the May 15 enrollment deadline as a means of enabling at least one million additional people to enroll.”

“About eight million of the 17.7 million people who lacked prescription drug coverage before Part D continue to lack coverage. Fifty-five percent enrollment is an F on most grading scales. If Republicans wanted to cover everybody, they would have created a real prescription drug benefit within Medicare. Had seniors and people with disabilities been able to opt out of a simple benefit rather than opt into a complex program, millions more would currently have coverage. Before she lashes out at Democrats, Mrs. Johnson should take a good, hard look in the mirror,” concluded Representative Stark.