NOVEMBER 13, 2003

SCHAKOWSKY: BUSH ADMINISTRATION'S MISSTATEMENT OF THE DAY - 
MEDICARE AND PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) issued today's "Bush Administration's Misstatement of the Day" on Medicare and prescription drugs.

During a meeting with seniors in Orlando, Florida to discuss Medicare and prescription drugs, President Bush said:
 

"The best way to provide our seniors with modern medicine, including prescription drug coverage and better preventative care, is to give them better choices under Medicare. If seniors have choices, healthcare plans will compete for their business by offering better coverage at affordable prices. That's a fact. With greater choice, we can give American seniors the very best of modern medicine."

Reports, however, about the emerging prescription drug bill from the conference committee negotiating the final proposal show that this is a "bad deal for seniors, a bad deal for Medicare and a sweetheart deal for drug companies.  Up to 10 million seniors could lose their choice of doctor because they would be pushed into a Medicare HMO," Schakowsky said.