This is an important first step, but Mr. Speaker, we need more and we need it now.  The average Medicare beneficiary fills 18 different prescriptions in one year alone.  Yet, at least one in three people in the Medicare population have no drug coverage in the course of a year and spend on average 83 percent more for their medicines than those with drug coverage.  

In my own state of Rhode Island, seniors are choosing food over health care on a daily basis.  In July of last year, I commissioned a study to assess what my constituents are paying for prescription drugs.  This study found that uninsured elderly pay an average of 78 percent more for most prescription drugs than do seniors in foreign countries.

What is most disturbing about these numbers is that almost half of Medicare beneficiaries with no prescription drug coverage have incomes less than 175 percent of poverty, which was $15,000 in 2001.

The lack of prescription drug coverage for our seniors is a national crisis.  Medicare + Choice, Medigap coverage, discount card programs and other attempts to chip away at this problem are not the answer.  We must provide comprehensive prescription drug coverage under Medicare, and we must do it now.  

I urge the President and my colleagues in both chambers of Congress to work together to ensure that we pass this legislation this year. 

Thank you Mr. Speaker.