For Immediate Release                                                   Contact: Amanda Molk, 202-225-5256
August 15, 2003

Napolitano Discusses Concerns with Local Seniors

Yesterday Congresswoman Grace F. Napolitano addressed Pico Rivera seniors to discuss issues of concern, including Medicare, prescription drugs, and senior safety.  First the Congresswoman attended a Senior Healthy Living Workshop, sponsored by Kaiser Permanente and the city of Pico Rivera.  Then she visited the Shady Lane Senior Center in Pico Rivera.  “I have served the seniors of Pico Rivera since 1992, when I was elected to the State Assembly.  Making sure your needs are met remains one of my top priorities,” Napolitano told seniors.

The Senior Healthy Living Workshop brought together local experts on healthcare and personal safety issues.  Napolitano opened the forum and gave local seniors tips on how to protect themselves from fraud and abuse.  “Never give your Medicare/Medicaid or Social Security number over the telephone or to people you don’t know.   Never accept medical supplies or equipment from a door-do-door salesperson. Neither the Federal Government nor Medicare sells supplies or equipment door-to-door,” Napolitano cautioned.

At both events, Napolitano updated seniors on prescription drug legislation.  “The House and Senate are currently working on a final version of a Medicare prescription drug benefit bill.  I voted against the recently-passed House bill because it would push seniors into purchasing private insurance plans for their drug coverage. I support a prescription drug benefit that will be a part of traditional fee-for-service Medicare that would be affordable and comprehensive, covering all seniors and all drugs prescribed by their doctors,” the Congresswoman explained.

“I also joined my colleagues to send a letter to the Members who are working on a final version of the bill.  We urged them to include a provision for low income seniors to allow them to pay lower or no copayments.  We also urged them to conduct outreach and enrollment efforts for all seniors, including those with limited English-speaking abilities, so that they know what benefits are available to them,” she continued.

“I voted for the Drug Reimportation bill, because it substantially decreases the prices of medications.  There is a huge discrepancy between what seniors in Canada pay for their medications and what our seniors pay.  They pay 57 cents for every dollar we spend.  This bill is now in the Senate.  We will continue working to make your prescription drugs more affordable,” Napolitano concluded. 

Representative Grace F. Napolitano, 38th District of California
1609 Longworth Building          Washington, DC 20515          Phone 202-225-5256          Fax 202-225-0027		11627 East Telegraph Road, #100       Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670       Phone 562-801-2134       Fax 562-949-9144
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