Why Does Ellen Simon Oppose the AARP Plan for Prescription Drug Coverage?

Part D Helps Over 82,000 Seniors in First District Save Over $90 Million Prescott, AZ The Renzi for Congress Campaign today criticized Cleveland ACLU trial attorney Ellen Simon for refusing to support an AARP-supported Medicare plan that provides prescription drug coverage to senior citizens. "First District seniors have saved over $90 million on prescription drugs as a result of Medicare Part D" said Greg Derr, Renzi's Campaign Manager. "ACLU trial attorney Ellen Simon's refusal to support the Medicare Prescription Drug plan is not only an insult to our seniors and the AARP, but demonstrates her complete disconnect from the needs of our area." In addition to supporting Medicare Part D, Renzi: * Hosted 17 workshops to help seniors sign up for the program, resulting in an 8% increase in enrollments * Supports drug re-importation from Canada * Worked to eliminate the penalty on Seniors for signing up late * Supports the plan to allow HHS to negotiate directly with pharmaceutical companies to lower prices, and Renzi. Simon opposes Part D saying, "The Medicare Plan D prescription drug program is doing a great job of providing a windfall for insurance and drug companies but a poor job of serving our elderly." (Simon statement, www.ellensimonforcongress.com) But AARP disagrees, AARP CEO Bill Novelli lobbied Congress to pass this important legislation to help seniors and said, "AARP is working everyday to help make prescription drugs more affordable for all. For those in Medicare, the new prescription drug plans are providing significant savings." (AARP Press Release, May 18, 2006) According to the Department of Health and Human Services approximately 82,777 seniors in the first Congressional District signed up for the important coverage, saving on average $1,100 per person. That means that first district seniors have saved nearly $90 million dollars. -WORKING FOR ARIZONA, MAKING A DIFFERENCE-