Medicare Reform

Reed, Stephen
Writing 39C
Austin
May 16, 2003
Is there a need for Medicare Reform?
The Medicare program is facing a serious crisis because it does not adequately cover
patients for prescription drug costs, preventative health care and hospital stays. Without
something being done to correctly address this issue, many elderly Americans will suffer
higher premiums while their quality of care will diminish. There has been some discussion concerning the current problem. In President Bush’s speech on January 28, 2003, he addresses Medicare reform by saying, "[s]eniors who want more coverage will be able to choose an enhanced form of Medicare. This option will include full coverage for preventative care, a comprehensive prescription drug benefit, protection against high out of pocket costs, and extra help for low income seniors to be able to get the drug benefits"(Charatan). Supporters of this healthcare package feel that it will finally give seniors the healthcare benefits...