CAROL LIN, CNN ANCHOR: Politics and prescriptions, congressional Democrats make their case for an issue that's near and dear to the pocketbooks of millions of senior citizens today. They'll join President Clinton in a plan to cover the cost of prescription drugs. CNN's Kelly Wallace joins us from the White House, where the proposal is going to be unveiled. Hi, Kelly.</s>KELLY WALLACE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, hi there, Carol. What Democrats hope to do, here at the White House just a few hours from now, is present a united front on a key election year issue. And that is helping seniors with the high cost of prescription drugs. Now, the Democratic plan is voluntary, and it would be available to all Medicare recipients who choose to participate. And for those seniors who want to participate, they would pay premiums starting at about $26 per month, and they would pay half the cost of their prescription drugs. Now, the plan would also offer something called catastrophic coverage for those seniors with excessive out-of-pocket expenses. The total price tag for all of this is $200 billion over 10 years. The White House and Democrats say this is something the U.S. government can afford and that it is long overdue. But Republicans say it is much too costly. House Republicans have unveiled a plan of their own, and that would allow private insurance companies, for the first time, to offer drug coverage to seniors above a certain income level, but Democrats say that plan is full of holes. So in terms of what are the chances the two sides can work out their differences? Well, Republicans say they are willing to negotiate with the Democrats, and the administration says it is hopeful. What is not lost on both sides, is that this issue is very near and dear to the hearts of seniors, a key voting block this election year. Kelly Wallace, CNN, reporting live from the White House.</s>LEON HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: All right, thank you, Kelly.
Democrats Reveal Prescription Drug Plan