Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage
AARP Statement on House Passage of Medicare Prescription Drug Bill
News Release
November 22, 2003
AARP is pleased with the passage of the Medicare prescription drug bill in the U.S. House of Representatives. This is an important step toward fulfilling a longstanding promise to older and disabled Americans and their families. While this legislation is not perfect, it will help millions of people, especially those with low incomes and high drug costs.
Although this was a hard fought House vote, it is a victory for the American people, and will help current and future Medicare beneficiaries. We have said all along that this is an issue that calls for bipartisan cooperation. We now urge the Senate-Democrats and Republicans-- to work in that spirit to pass a final bill, which can be sent to the President for his signature. The enactment of this legislation is essential to strengthening health security for all Americans. But more must be done. AARP will continue to work in Washington, in the states and in other ways to make drug costs more affordable and accessible.