No, Al Gore was promising uniform coverage for all. Bush wanted it to be means tested for poor seniors only. I guess he changed his mind to get reelected. BTW, Bush also promised that CFR would be signed over his dead body.
This is a compromise between means-tested and universal.
1. It is voluntary.
2. Seniors who opt for this program and who have income above a certain level will pay higher premiums.
3. You can have either Medi-gap insurance or the Medicare insurance, not both. Many people, like my mother, will remain with their private coverage.