Seniors Should Not Be Penalized
Because of Democrat Election Year Scare Tactics

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Representative Nancy Johnson (R-CT) and other members of the Republican Main Street Partnership held a press conference to announce new Medicare legislation.  This legislation would eliminate the penalty for seniors who missed the May 15^th deadline to enroll in the new Medicare drug program. "Seniors should not be penalized because of Democratic election year scare tactics," said Sarah Chamberlain Resnick, Executive Director. "Main Street urges the House to pass this legislation that will protect America’s seniors."

Johnson’s bill, which is supported by Main Street, would allow any senior who failed to sign up for a plan by the May 15^th deadline to do so without penalty when the enrollment window re-opens November 15^th.

Since the drug benefit went into effect on January 1^st, Democrat leaders have relentlessly attacked the program, suppressing enrollment and scaring away many seniors from this cost-saving program.

"Today more than 38 million American seniors have drug coverage thanks to the Medicare drug benefit," Johnson said. "Seniors are saving an average of $1,100 a year, getting protection from high drug costs and priceless peace of mind. I’m pleased AARP and its 35 million members have endorsed this bill to allow seniors who missed the May 15^th deadline to enroll later without penalty. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and Senate to pass this important legislation into law."

"Ninety percent of America’s seniors now have coverage, and even more seniors would be enrolled today if opponents of the Medicare benefit had worked as hard to sign up seniors as they did to scare them," continued Johnson. "Seniors should not have to pay for the shameful attacks against the bill. Those who relentlessly attacked this important benefit over the past year can redeem themselves by using the next six months to educate seniors and prepare them for enrollment in November."

"While Democrats are busy playing election year politics, centrist Republicans are fighting for American seniors, and pursuing a legislative agenda that reflects America’s values and priorities," concluded Resnick.