Welch pushes Medicare reform in campaign visit

By ANDY ROSEN
www.reformer.com [1]

BRATTLEBORO -- Senate President Pro Tempore and U.S. Congressional hopeful Peter Welch touted his intention to revisit a federal prescription drug program on a visit to town on Wednesday.

Welch, a Democrat from Windsor County, addressed a lunchtime crowd of about 30 at the Gibson-Aiken Senior Center.

He said the Medicare Part D prescription drug program is flawed because it is too complicated and, doesn't allow the government to negotiate bulk discounts on medication.

"It's a windfall for drug companies and a nightmare for taxpayers," Welch said in an interview. "One of the first things that I would do in congress is introduce legislation to reform it."

He called for four steps by Congress to reform the plan.

Lawmakers, Welch said, should change language that prohibits the government from negotiating lower prices, and simplify the progam's [sic] options. In Vermont, he said, there are 44 different plans available.

He also called on Congress to waive the one percent enrollment penalty on premiums and extend the deadline for all participants through next January.

Welch said seniors should be allowed to switch plans without penalty if they feel they've made a mistake.

After he finished his address, Welch made his way around the dining room, speaking with those in attendence [sic]. He said he found the crowd to be supportive of his ideas.

"They were also very concerned about the war and the budget deficit, and said that America's standing in the world has diminished since the (Iraq) war began," Welch said.

He also showed some fancy footwork, briefly joining a dance class at the center.

Welch said he expects to be able to make his voice heard in Washington if he's elected, citing the thin margin the prescription drug plan passed by in Congress.

It was a busy day in Windham County for Welch. He also visited Bellows Falls. Later, he attended a party in honor of retiring Sen. Roderick Gander, D-Windham.