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About Illinois Valley news. (Cave City, Oregon) 1937-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 29, 2003)
Illinois Valley News, Cave Junction, OR 97523, January 29, 2003 Page 6 The Savvy Senior by Carol Martin Recently, The Seniors Coali- tion (TSC) announced its sup- port for plans the Bush ad- ministration is reportedly con- sidering to improve, strengthen, and simplify the Medicare program overall. TSC has argued for changes in the program that will bring it up to the level of service to- day's seniors have come to expect in quality health care plans. "We want the president to know that seniors are behind him," said Mary Martin, TSC chairman and executive direc- tor. "Prescription drug cover- age is the most important problem, but right now, we have a golden opportunity to strengthen the program in other ways as well. Medicare just hasn't kept pace with the choices, coverage, and bene- fits seniors enjoyed through private plans during their working lives. "The lack of a prescription drug component is the most glaring inadequacy in Medi- care, but it's not the only one. For example, Medicare still does not offer adequate pre- ventative measures. At its in- ception, we didn't yet under- stand how important those measures would be. Today, we know," she said. "Not only is the president on the right track, but he has a uniquely qualified partner in the incoming majority leader. Senator Frist has already proven himself a champion of seniors in his work on health care issues," said Ms. Martin. The Seniors Coalition sup- ported the Breaux-Frist legis- lation that would have given seniors more health care choices under Medicare. TSC Chairman Martin believes that Dr. Frist's election as majority leader will mean more choices and higher quality care in the Medicare program. "Additionally, we're pleased that the president will offer seniors the peace of mind we have argued for in any changes to benefits: that sen- iors always have the option to continue in the system they have grown accustomed to, if they prefer it," Ms. Martin added. "We're cautiously optimistic. As the president considers the nation's domestic agenda for the coming year, we want to offer our complete support for his approach to Medicare, and encourage him to seize this opportunity to improve, strengthen, and simplify Medi- care for the 21st century," she concluded. (c) 2003 DBR Media, Inc. IVHS Activities Calendar Brought to you by the folks at 592-3556 Cave Jct . 469-7545 Brookings/ Harbor THURSDAY, JAN. 30 Wrestling - North Valley, Phoenix- here - 5:30 p.m. FRIDAY, JAN. 31 Girls basketball vs. Henley here - 5:30/7:00 p.m. Boys basketball at Henley 5:30/5:30/7:00 p.m. SATURDAY, FEB.1 Wrestling at Cottage Grove 7:30 a.m. TUESDAY, FEB. 4 Girls basketball vs. Rogue River - here 5:30/7:00 p.m. Boys basketball at Rogue River 3:45/5:30/7:00 p.m. A man meets with no more respect than he exacts. - William Hazlitt -
