November 25, 2003

"Today is truly an historic day for the health security of the American people. For the first time since 1965, Medicare has been expanded to provide important prescription drug coverage and financial relief for millions of older and disabled Americans and their families.

AARP thanks Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle, AARP members and all those who worked tirelessly to make this day possible. We should all take special pride in the fact that this bill helps those who need it the most – people with low incomes, as well as those with high drug costs. In addition, the bill will provide some additional relief to millions more in Medicare and also provide preventive care, chronic disease management and other measures to improve health care.

As soon as the President signs this bill into law, AARP will do all it can to educate our members about this new voluntary drug benefit and the new Medicare options. We will continue to be a watchdog for our members to make sure that these new provisions truly do improve the lives of Medicare beneficiaries and the quality of the Medicare program.

But, even with this significant improvement to Medicare, our work is not done. AARP will continue to fight on behalf of our members, in Congress and in the states, until all Americans have affordable access to the prescription drugs they need."