WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday, Senator Gordon Smith (R-OR) sent a letter to the chairman and ranking member of the Senate Budget Committee urging them to focus the committee's attention on the rising number of uninsured, and the lack of a prescription drug benefit for the nation's seniors.
The complete text of Smith's letter is available upon request.
"Health insurance coverage is the best predictor of access to health care in America today. Yet despite its importance, more than 41 million Americans are uninsured; further, experts estimate that this number will increase by 1 to 2 million people this year as the economic downturn continues," Smith said. "I feel strongly that a substantial sum must be made available in the budget if we are to make a realistic effort to cover the growing number of uninsured."
Smith has fought for years to provide healthcare coverage for the uninsured. He will strategically use his new influence as a member of the powerful Senate Finance Committee to benefit seniors and the uninsured. Last year, Smith was at the forefront of the prescription drug debate when he spearheaded a bipartisan plan with Senate leaders to introduce extensive new coverage to America's most vulnerable seniors.
"Every year that passes without adding a prescription drug benefit to Medicare, the cost of adding such a benefit increases substantially," said Smith. "Every day that Medicare excludes prescription drugs from coverage is a day that countless seniors will not have access to medications that could improve their health or save their lives."
###
