Posted on 06/03/2004 1:49:54 PM PDT by RWR8189
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Rhetoric |
KERRY: “I want to be President of the United States because I love this country and I think it’s going in the wrong direction. People are worried about how they are going to be able to have a retirement. How are you going to have health care? 43 million Americans don’t even have it. This is wrong. In the richest country on the face of the planet, no American ought to be struggling to be able to have health care. It ought to be a right that we make accessible and affordable to every single American.”
CHYRON: John Kerry; The Kerry Healthcare Plan @ JohnKerry.com
KERRY: “I’m John Kerry and I approved this message.”
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The Facts |
Kerry Would Repeal Medicare Bill That Is Currently Helping
Millions Of Seniors Get Affordable Prescription Drugs
Kerry: “If I’m President We’re Going To Repeal That Phony [Prescription Drug] Bill.” (Sen. John Kerry, “Ending The Era Of Special Interests,” Remarks In Nashua, NH, 1/21/04)
Kerry Missed 36 Of 38 Votes On Medicare Bill, Including Final Passage Of Senate Version And Conference Report. (H.R.1, CQ Vote #459: Prescription Drug Benefit - Conference Report, Passed 54-44: R 42-9; D 11-35; I 1-0, 11/25/03; S.1, CQ Vote #262: Prescription Drug Benefit - Passage, Passed 76-21: R 40-10; D 35-11; I 1-0, 6/27/03; S.1, CQ Vote #261: Prescription Drug Benefit - Means Test, Rejected 38-59: R 3-47; D 35-11; I 0-1, 6/26/03; S.1, CQ Vote #260: Prescription Drug Benefit - Alternative Plan, Rejected 21-75: R 20-29; D 1-45; I 0-1, 6/26/03; S.1, CQ Vote #259: Prescription Drug Benefit - Retiree Fallback Plan, Rejected 42-54: R 0-49; D 42-4; I 0-1, 6/26/03; S.1, CQ Vote #258: Prescription Drug Benefit - Medigap Policies, Rejected 43-55: R 1-50; D 42-4; I 0-1, 6/26/03; S.1, CQ Vote #257: Prescription Drug Benefit - Medicaid Coverage, Rejected 47-51: R 5-46; D 42-4; I 0-1, 6/26/03; S.1, CQ Vote #256: Prescription Drug Benefit - Immigrant Coverage, Rejected 33-65: R 32-19; D 1-45; I 0-1, 6/26/03; S.1, CQ Vote #255: Prescription Drug Benefit - Experimental Drug Coverage, Adopted 71-26: R 50-0; D 20-26; I 1-0, 6/26/03; S.1, CQ Vote #254: Prescription Drug Benefit - Premium Reduction, Rejected 39-59: R 0-51; D 39-7; I 0-1, 6/26/03; S.1, CQ Vote #253: Prescription Drug Benefit - Additional Disease Treatment, Agreed To 57-41: R 51-0; D 5-41; I 1-0, 6/26/03; S.1, CQ Vote #252: Prescription Drug Benefit - Alzheimer’s Subsidy, Adopted 98-0: R 51-0; D 46-0; I 1-0, 6/26/03; CQ Vote #251: Prescription Drug Benefit - Asset Test, Adopted 69-29: R 22-29; D 46-0; I 1-0, 6/26/03; S.1, CQ Vote #250: Prescription Drug Benefit - Cancer Patient Coverage, Agreed To 54-44: R 51-0; D 3-43; I 0-1, 6/26/03; S.1, CQ Vote #249: Prescription Drug Benefit - Cancer Care, Adopted 97-1: R 50-1; D 46-0; I 1-0, 6/26/03; S.1, CQ Vote #248: Prescription Drug Benefit - Drug Advertisements, Rejected 39-59: R 0-51; D 39-7; I 0-1, 6/26/03; S.1, CQ Vote #247: Prescription Drug Benefit - Disability Services, Agreed To 50-48: R 48-3; D 2-44; I 0-1, 6/26/03; S.1, CQ Vote #246: Prescription Drug Benefit - Cost-Effectiveness Studies, Rejected 43-52: R 0-48; D 43-3; I 0-1, 6/25/03; S.1, CQ Vote #245: Prescription Drug Benefit - Durbin Substitute, Rejected 39-56: R 0-48; D 39-7; I 0-1, 6/25/03; S.1, CQ Vote #244: Prescription Drug Benefit - Premium Reduction, Rejected 39-56: R 0-49; D 39-6; I 0-1, 6/25/03; S.1, CQ Vote #243: Prescription Drug Benefit - Drug Advertisements, Rejected 26-69: R 0-49; D 26-19; I 0-1, 6/25/03; S.1, CQ Vote #242: Prescription Drug Benefit - Health Centers, Adopted 94-1: R 48-1; D 45-0; I 1-0, 6/25/03; S.1, CQ Vote #241: Prescription Drug Benefit - Employer Compensation, Rejected 41-55: R 0-50; D 41-4; I 0-1, 6/24/03; S.1, CQ Vote #240: Prescription Drug Benefit - Drug Cost Coverage, Rejected 41-54: R 0-49; D 41-4; I 0-1, 6/24/03; S.1, CQ Vote #239: Prescription Drug Benefit - Benefit Availability, Rejected 41-54: R 1-48; D 40-5; I 0-1, 6/24/03; S.1, CQ Vote #238: Prescription Drug Benefit - Two-Year Fallback Plan, Agreed To 51-45: R 48-2; D 2-43; I 1-0, 6/24/03; S.1, CQ Vote #237: Prescription Drug Benefit - Congressional Coverage, Adopted 93-3: R 50-0; D 42-3; I 1-0, 6/24/03; S.1, CQ Vote #236: Prescription Drug Benefit - Cost Sharing Extension, Agreed To 54-42: R 50-0; D 3-42; I 1-0, 6/24/03; S.1, CQ Vote #235: Prescription Drug Benefit - Canadian Price Equity, Agreed To 66-31: R 51-0; D 14-31; I 1-0, 6/24/03; S.1, CQ Vote #234: Prescription Drug Benefit - Open Enrollment Period, Agreed To 55-42: R 51-0; D 3-42; I 1-0, 6/24/03; S.1, CQ Vote #233: Prescription Drug Benefit - Third-Party Coverage, Agreed To 52-43: R 49-0; D 3-42; I 0-1, 6/24/03; S.1, CQ Vote #232: Prescription Drug Benefit - Drug Importation, Adopted 62-28: R 21-25; D 40-3; I 1-06/20/03; S.1, CQ Vote #230: Prescription Drug Benefit - Drug Patents, Adopted 94-1: R 50-1; D 43-0; I 1-0, 6/19/03; S.1, CQ Vote #229: Prescription Drug Benefit - Premium Cap, Rejected 39-56: R 0-51; D 39-4; I 0-1, 6/19/03; S.1, CQ Vote #228: Prescription Drug Benefit - Drug Cost Disclosure, Adopted 95-0: R 51-0; D 43-0; I 1-0, 6/19/03; S.1, CQ Vote #227: Prescription Drug Benefit - Benefit Within Medicare, Rejected 37-58: R 0-51; D 37-6; I 0-1, 6/18/03; H.R.1, CQ Vote #458: Motion Agreed To 61-39: R 49-2; D 11-37; I 1-0, 11/24/03, Kerry Voted Nay; H.R.1, CQ Vote #457: Motion Agreed To 70-29: R 47-3; D 22-26; I 1-0, 11/24/03, Kerry Voted Nay)
ü Kerry Was One Of Only Two Senators To Miss Final Vote On Conference Report. Kerry chose to hit campaign trail instead because he felt that voting “was not going to make a difference.” (Sam Hananel, “Kerry, Lieberman Skip Final Medicare Vote To Return To Campaign Trail,” The Associated Press, 11/25/03)
Kerry Twice Voted To Kill Bipartisan Medicare Prescription Drug Bill. Kerry voted against the motion to invoke cloture on the conference report and the motion to waive the Budget Act on budgetary points of order against the conference report. (H.R.1, CQ Vote #457: Motion Agreed To 70-29: R 47-3; D 22-26; I 1-0, 11/24/03, Kerry Voted Nay; H.R.1, CQ Vote #458: Motion Agreed To 61-39: R 49-2; D 11-37; I 1-0, 11/24/03, Kerry Voted Nay)
Kerry Also Voted Against Bipartisan Medicare Prescription Drug Proposal In The Senate Finance Committee. (S.1, Vote #5: Passed 16-5: R 9-2; D 6-3; I 1-0, 6/12/03, Kerry Voted Nay)
Under New Medicare Law, Millions Of Beneficiaries Are Now Using Drug Discount Cards To Save Up To 18 Percent On Name Brand Drugs And 30-60 Percent On Generics. “Seniors and people with disabilities can begin using their Medicare-approved drug discount cards to garner savings on prescription medicines. … As of the end of May, approximately 2.87 million Medicare beneficiaries have already enrolled in drug cards to do just that. … Analysis by CMS shows that Medicare beneficiaries can expect discounts of up to 18 percent off the average retail prices for name brand drugs and discounts of between 30 and 60 percent on generic drugs. Mail order and Internet discounts through the cards offer savings of up to 24 percent from comparable services.” (U.S. Department Of Health And Human Services, “HHS Secretary Urges Seniors To Sign Up For Discount Cards,” Press Release, 6/1/04)
ü Low-Income Seniors Can Receive $1,200 Credit Over The Next 18 Months That Will Offer Savings Of 30 To 70 Percent On Their Prescription Expenses. “On top of the discounts, low-income beneficiaries can qualify for a $600 credit this year to help pay for their prescription medicines and another $600 in 2005. Any money from the credit not spent this year will carry over into 2005. For millions of low-income beneficiaries, these savings translate to 30 to 70 percent or more reductions in their drug costs.” (U.S. Department Of Health And Human Services, “HHS Secretary Urges Seniors To Sign Up For Discount Cards,” Press Release, 6/1/04)
Kerry’s Proposals Will Not Significantly Lower Cost Of Prescription Drugs
Kerry Says He Will “Fight” For Medicare Price Negotiation And Drug Reimportation. “JOHN KERRY: CHOOSING SENIORS OVER PHARMACEUTICAL PROFITS. John Kerry will fight to allow Medicare to negotiate better prescription prices for seniors and will fight to pass reimportation so seniors can get safe quality affordable prescriptions. Kerry will strengthen drug coverage for those who have it – not make it worse.” (John Kerry For President, “Bush’s Broken Promises: Social Security And Medicare,” Press Release, 3/7/04)
But In 2000, Kerry Co-Sponsored Democrat Legislation That Prohibited Medicare From Negotiating Drug Prices. The bill, which was introduced by Senator Daschle and co-sponsored by Senator Kerry, included this provision: “NONINTERFERENCE.--In administering the prescription drug benefit program established under this part, the Secretary may not-- (1) require a particular formulary or institute a price structure for benefits; (2) interfere in any way with negotiations between private entities and drug manufacturers, or wholesalers; or (3) otherwise interfere with the competitive nature of providing a prescription drug benefit through private entities.” (S.2541, Introduced 3/10/00; S.2541, Thomas Bill Summary, Introduced 5/10/00; Julie Rovner, “GOP, Dems Spar Over Negotiating Language In Drug Law,” National Journal’s CongressDaily, 2/10/04)
ü According To Nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, Government Negotiation Would Not Reduce Costs; Under New Medicare Law, Private Plans Will Negotiate “Substantial Savings.” “CBO has examined the effect of striking the ‘noninterference’ provision (section 1860D-11(i) of the Social Security Act) as added by P. L. 108-173, the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003. That section bars the Secretary of Health and Human Services from interfering with the negotiations between drug manufacturers and pharmacies and sponsors of prescription drug plans, or from requiring a particular formulary or price structure for covered Part D drugs. We estimate that striking that provision would have a negligible effect on federal spending because CBO estimates that substantial savings will be obtained by the private plans and that the Secretary would not be able to negotiate prices that further reduce federal spending to a significant degree. Because they will be at substantial financial risk, private plans will have strong incentives to negotiate price discounts, both to control their own costs in providing the drug benefit and to attract enrollees with low premiums and cost-sharing requirements.” (Douglas Holtz-Eakin, Director, Congressional Budget Office, Letter To Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, 1/23/04)
ü Nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office Concluded That Importation Would Produce Only A Small Reduction In Prescription Drug Spending. “On the basis of its evaluation of proposals to date, CBO has concluded that permitting the importation of foreign-distributed prescription drugs would produce at most a modest reduction in prescription drug spending in the United States. H.R. 2427, for example, which would have permitted importation from a broad set of industrialized countries, was estimated to reduce total drug spending by $40 billion over 10 years, or by about 1 percent. Permitting importation only from Canada would produce a negligible reduction in drug spending.” (Colin Baker, Anna Cook, and Margaret Nowak, “Would Prescription Drug Importation Reduce U.S. Drug Spending?” Issue Brief, Congressional Budget Office, 4/29/04)
Kerry Opposed Or Voted To Block Medical Liability Reform At Least Ten Times. (H.R. 956, CQ Vote #137: Motion Rejected 39-61: R 10-44; D 29-17; I 0-0, 5/2/95, Kerry Voted Yea; H.R. 956, CQ Vote #140: Motion Agreed To 65-35: R 24-30; D 41-5, 5/2/95, Kerry Voted Yea; H.R. 956, CQ Vote #141: Motion Agreed To 56-44: R 13-41; D 43-3, 5/2/95, Kerry Voted Yea; H.R. 956, CQ Vote #144: Passed 53-47: R 48-6; D 5-41, 5/2/95, Kerry Voted Nay; H.R. 956, CQ Vote #151: Motion Rejected 46-53: R 44-10; D 2-43; I 0-0, 5/4/95, Kerry Voted Nay; H.R. 956, CQ Vote #152: Motion Rejected 47-52: R 45-9; D 2-43; I 0-0, 5/4/95, Kerry Voted Nay; H.R. 956, CQ Vote #160: Motion Agreed To 54-44:: R 46-7; D 8-37, 5/10/95, Kerry Voted Nay; H.R. 956, CQ Vote #161: Passed 61-37: R 46-7; D 15-30, 5/10/95, Kerry Voted Nay; S. 1052, CQ Vote #212: Motion Agreed To 52-46: R 2-45; D 49-1; I 1-0, 6/29/01, Kerry Voted Yea; S. 812, CQ Vote #197: Motion Agreed To 57-42: R 6-42; D 50-0; I 1-0, 7/30/02, Kerry Voted Yea)
Kerry Missed Both 2004 Votes On Medical Liability Reform. The February 2004 vote was a motion to invoke cloture (thus limiting debate) on the motion to proceed to consideration of the bill that would place caps on damage awards in medical malpractice lawsuits against obstetricians and gynecologists. The April 2004 vote was a motion to invoke cloture on a similar bill that would curb awards against emergency and trauma center personnel, as well as ob-gyns. (S. 2061, CQ Vote #15: Motion Rejected 48-45: R 47-3: D 1-41; I 0-1, 2/24/04, Kerry Did Not Vote; S. 2207, CQ Vote #66: Motion Rejected 49-48: R 48-3; D 1-44; I 0-1, 4/7/04, Kerry Did Not Vote)
Kerry Missed 2003 Vote On Senate Version Of Medical Liability Reform Legislation. The July 2003 vote was a motion to invoke cloture (thus limiting debate) on the motion to proceed to the bill that would cap awards in medical malpractice lawsuits. It would limit awards for non-economic damages to $250,000 and would cap punitive damages at $250,000 or double economic damages, whichever is greater. (S. 11, CQ Vote #264: Motion Rejected 49-48: R 49-2; D 0-45; I 0-1, 7/9/03, Kerry Did Not Vote)
ü Nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) Estimated Premiums For Medical Malpractice Insurance Would Drop Average Of 25 To 30 Percent Under 2003 Medical Liability Legislation Passed By House. The CBO also notes that about one-third of the states would see reductions in premiums “substantially larger than the overall average.” (“Cost Estimate Of H.R. 5, Help Efficient, Accessible, Low-Cost, Timely Healthcare (HEALTH) Act Of 2003,” Congressional Budget Office, 3/10/03)
ü CBO Said House Bill Would “Lead To Lower Charges For Health Care Services And Procedures, And Ultimately, To A Decrease In Rates For Health Insurance Premiums.” (“Cost Estimate Of H.R. 5, Help Efficient, Accessible, Low-Cost, Timely Healthcare (HEALTH) Act Of 2003,” Congressional Budget Office, 3/10/03)
ü According To A 2003 Joint Economic Committee Report, Meaningful Medical Liability Reform Could Lower Health Care Costs Sufficiently So That Another 3.9 Million Americans Could Afford Health Insurance. (“Liability For Medical Malpractice: Issues And Evidence,” Joint Economic Committee, United States Congress, 5/03)
Kerry Opposes Health Savings Accounts That Will Help More Americans Afford Health Insurance
Kerry Voted 4 Times Against Health/Medical Savings Accounts. (S.1028, CQ Vote #72: Adopted 52-46: R 5-46; D 47-0, 4/18/96, Kerry Voted Yea; S.1344, CQ Vote #210: Passed 53-47: R 52-2; D 0-45; I 1-0, 7/15/99, Kerry Voted Nay; H.R.1, CQ Vote #457: Motion Agreed To 70-29: R 47-3; D 22-26; I 1-0, 11/24/03, Kerry Voted Nay; H.R.1, CQ Vote #458: Motion Agreed To 61-39: R 49-2; D 11-37; I 1-0, 11/24/03, Kerry Voted Nay)
Kerry’s Health Plan Is Not Focused On Improving Consumer Choice. “There is little talk in the Kerry plan about individuals having control over their own choices. The words consumer choice and Health Savings Accounts don’t show up in any of his health proposals … Further, there is little acknowledgement that the world is changing and that insurance needs to be more portable, with costs and choices determined by consumers, not politicians.” (Grace-Marie Turner, “The Kerry Plan,” Galen Institute, 3/5/04)
ü Study Showed That Consumer-Driven Health Care Controls Costs. Aetna recently unveiled results of a nine-month study that found medical costs for participants in their consumer-driven HealthFund rose by just 1.5%, compared with double digit increases for a similar population. (Aetna, “Aetna Research Shows Positive Impact Of Consumerism On Health Care Decisions,” Press Release, 2/16/04)
Last Year, President Bush Acted To Bring Millions Of Americans Help With Out-Of-Pocket Medical Expenses. “When the President signed the Medicare reform legislation into law, Americans gained access to health savings accounts. HSAs allow individuals to buy less expensive high-deductible plans and to save pre-tax dollars for out-of-pocket medical expenses. In addition to these savings, under a new Administration proposal, individuals participating in HSAs would be allowed to deduct their premiums for the high-deductible insurance plan from their taxable income. HSAs are available to everyone who has a high-deductible plan, which is defined as having an annual deductible of at least $1,000 for individual coverage and at least $2,000 for family coverage. Individuals, their employers, or both can contribute funds up to the amount of the deductible, subject to a cap of $2,600 for individuals and $5,150 for families. The money not spent would stay in the account and earn interest tax-free. People over age 55 can contribute additional money to the account without penalty. These accounts will help more American families get the health care they need at a price they can afford.” (“Budget Of The United States Government, Fiscal Year 2005,” Office Of Management And Budget Website, www.omb.gov, Accessed 4/16/04)
ü Health Savings Accounts Help People Of “All Income Levels And Lifestyles.” “Finally, a tax-advantaged health-care program that cuts across all income levels and lifestyles -- the new Health Savings Accounts. They are a real boon for people who pay for their insurance coverage.” (Eva Rosenberg, “Health Savings Accounts Provide A Break For All,” CBS MarketWatch, 1/15/04)
President Bush Has Urged Congress To Address Rising Health Costs Through Medical Liability Reform. “President Bush is trying to resuscitate a measure to place nationwide caps on medical malpractice awards, a move he has made a centerpiece of his election-year focus on health care. Bush argues that a nationwide ceiling would drive down soaring health care costs and save taxpayers money. … In response, the president was issuing a new appeal for the legislation …” (Scott Lindlaw, “President Pushes Effort To Limit Malpractice Awards,” The Associated Press, 1/26/04)
President Bush Announced Plan To Lower Health Costs By Expanding Electronic Medical Records To Nearly All Americans Within The Next Ten Years. The plan includes:
ü “Adopting Health Information Standards. The President called for the completion and adoption of standards, collaboratively developed with the private sector, that will allow medical information to be stored and shared electronically while assuring privacy and security.”
ü “Doubling Funding to $100 Million for Demonstration Projects on Health Information Technology. To build upon the progress we have already made in the area of health care standardization, the President’s proposed FY 2005 budget includes $100 million for demonstration projects by hospitals and health care providers that will help us test the effectiveness of health information technology and establish best practices for more widespread adoption in the health care industry.”
ü “Fostering The Adoption Of Health Information Technology. As one of the largest buyers of health care, the Federal Government can create incentives and opportunities for health care providers to use electronic records.”
ü “Creating a New, Sub-Cabinet Level Position of National Health Information Technology Coordinator. The President will charge the National Coordinator with working with government, industry, and experts in the field to help fulfill his vision of a health care system that is patient-centered and that gives patients information they need to make clinical and economic decisions – in consultation with dedicated health care professionals.” (“Innovation Economy Policy Book,” Executive Summary, The White House, 4/26/04)
The President Also Proposed Refundable Tax Credits That Will Make Health Insurance More Affordable To Millions Of Low-Income Americans. “The Administration again proposes a tax credit that will facilitate individuals’ purchase of health insurance and health care. Individuals under age 65 who are not enrolled in public or employer-sponsored health plans would be eligible. The credit would pay for 90 percent of the cost of the premium, up to a maximum of $1,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a family of four. The percentage of the credit would depend on an individual’s income level. The credit would be phased out at $30,000 for an individual and $60,000 for a family. Like the TAA tax credit, the Health Care Tax Credit is refundable and can be paid in advance directly to the health plan.” (“Budget Of The United States Government, Fiscal Year 2005,” Office Of Management And Budget Website, www.omb.gov, Accessed 4/16/04)
Bush Administration Implemented Program To Save Consumers As Much As $3.5 Billion Each Year By Moving Low-Priced Generic Drugs To The Market Faster. “President Bush today announced new regulations to hasten the pace at which generic drugs are brought to market, a measure the administration says will save $3.5 billion annually after it takes effect Aug. 18. … Specifically, the regulations will limit original drugmakers to one 30-month ‘stay’ blocking the entry of generic drugs by filing patent lawsuits. … The FDA also said it will make internal changes, speeding its review procedures to reduce the time it takes for generic drugs to be declared safe. With a $13 million increase in its budget for generic drugs requested by Bush, the FDA aims to reduce its generic drug application process to 17 months from 20 months.” (Dana Milbank, “New Drug Rules Aim To Speed Generics,” The Washington Post, 6/13/03)
President Bush Also Has Plan To Curb Rising Health Care Costs By Enabling Small Businesses To Form Purchasing Pools To Negotiate Lower Health Insurance Costs For Their Workers. (“President Bush’s FY 2005 Budget,” Fact Sheet, The White House, 2/2/04)
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Wow. Now, if we could only squish all that into a 30 sec sound bite.....
Any ad that starts with "I want to be president... because..." Phooey.
A presidential ad should start with.."Being president should be something to make one tremble at the thought, but the position MUST be filled by someone with the integrity, strength, wisdom, faith in God, and concern for America that I believe I have...."
I want to see people buy private insurance-Kerry seems to want want to make everyone government and drug dependent If you want drugs, buy insurance, damnit-taxpayers don't need to pay for anyone's drugs or health care-people need tp get off their fat tushies and be self reliant.
You are so right about his 'speech'. HOW can this man say this; and be taken seriously?
Our last 'I' president, of course, was Bill Clinton. . .bets taken on how many he could give in give in one sentence.
Kerry's arrogance is just one 'I' behind Clinton's; and just one ahead of his own stupidity; but this coupled with his unbrideled lust for power, makes for a truly frightening scenario.
G-d, this man is awful!
Kerry obviously believes his 'I' is better than anyone elses and for that, he deserves to be elected - but preferably - crowned. . .
For Kerry; his 'I's' have it.
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