On December 8, President Bush signed the Medicare Reform Bill into law in a historic ceremony at Constitution Hall near the White House. Grassroots Leaders and members of 60 Plus Association played a prominent role in the ceremony.
Sitting on the stage near the President when he signed the bill were selected Congressional leaders, cabinet officials, and 26 Grassroots Leaders and members of 60 Plus Association.
In his remarks prior to signing the bill, President Bush praised Jim Martin, President of 60 Plus Association, for his effective leadership on behalf of seniors.
“A lot of this happened — this bill happened because of grassroots work. A lot of our fellow citizens took it upon themselves to agitate for change, to lobby on behalf of what’s right…
“But the groups that speak for the elderly did fantastic work on this legislation…Jim Martin, the President of 60 Plus Association, worked hard,” President Bush said.
The President also said:
“Medicare is a great achievement of a compassionate government and it is a basic trust we honor. Medicare has spared millions of seniors from needless hardship. Each generation benefits from Medicare. Each generation has a duty to strengthen Medicare. And this generation is fulfilling our duty.
“First and foremost, this new law will provide Medicare coverage for prescription drugs. Medicare was enacted to provide seniors with the latest in modern medicine. In 1965, that usually meant house calls, or operations, or long hospital stays. Today, modern medicine includes out-patient care, disease screenings, and prescription drugs.
“Medicine has changed, but Medicare has not — until today…
“In addition to providing coverage for prescription drugs, this legislation achieves a second great goal. We’re giving our seniors more health care choices so they can get the coverage and care that meets their needs.
“And when seniors have the ability to make choices, health care plans within Medicare will have to compete for their business by offering higher quality service. For the seniors of America, more choices and more control will mean better health care. These are the kinds of health care options we give to the members of Congress and federal employees. They have the ability to pick plans to — that are right for their own needs. What’s good for members of Congress is also good for seniors. Our seniors are fully capable of making health care choices, and this bill allows them to do just that.”
For the full text of the President’s remarks, go to:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/12/print/20031208-2.html
60 Plus Association is proud to have pioneered this legislation. For many years, we’ve worked hard to get it passed. We are extremely pleased that this great goal for seniors has finally been achieved.
