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WASHINGTON – First District Congressman Paul Ryan, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, today introduced U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson at a House Ways and Means Committee Hearing where Thompson testified on the Administration's health and welfare priorities.

"It was an honor to be able to introduce Tommy to the Ways and Means Committee and hear from him on critical issues such as Medicare reform," said Ryan. "While I have often discussed Medicare and related matters with Tommy, today's hearing gave us the chance to revisit these issues in the Ways and Means Committee. One of my top priorities has been making the Medicare system fairer for Wisconsin's seniors, and I'm excited about working with Tommy and with my colleagues in Congress to meet this goal." 

At today's hearing, Secretary Thompson discussed the framework of the President's budget for the Department of Health and Human Services. Among other initiatives, Thompson spoke about the importance of modernizing Medicare and expanding access to quality healthcare. He talked about the President's "Immediate Helping Hand" proposal – a temporary plan to help seniors who are most in need of assistance with their prescription drug costs. In his statement, Secretary Thompson noted: "The President's proposal would provide immediate coverage for up to 9.5 million beneficiaries while we work to enact broader Medicare reform."

Thompson went on to discuss how the Medicare program has not kept pace with modern medicine. "Today, Medicare covers only 53 percent of the average senior's annual medical expenses and the program's benefits package is lacking," Thompson said.

"I agree wholeheartedly with Tommy and the Administration that Medicare must be modernized," said Ryan. "It's 2001 and we're still dealing with a system geared toward providing 1960's healthcare."

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