by Ben Feller
Associated Press
Strongsville -- With a fresh sense of urgency, President Barack Obama visited Ohio March 15 and sought to reassure seniors about health care legislation approaching a final vote in Congress, pledging it would make preventive care cost-free and close a gap in Medicare prescription drug coverage.
"This proposal adds almost a decade of solvency to Medicare," Obama said in a visit to a Strongsville senior center.
Obama's trip to Ohio marked his third out-of-town foray as he tries to build support for long-stalled legislation to remake the health care system.
Guests aboard Air Force One included Democratic Rep. Dennis Kucinich, the local congressman who voted against the administration-backed health care bill that cleared the House late last year.
There was no word on whether Obama lobbied for his vote en route to Ohio. But shortly after the president began his public remarks, someone in the crowd yelled, "Vote yes," to Kucinich.
"Did you hear that, Dennis?" the president said with a smile. "Go ahead, say that again," he encouraged the voice in the audience.
"Vote yes!" came back the reply.
Obama traveled to the hometown of Natoma Canfield, a cancer victim who wrote the president that she gave up her health insurance after the cost rose to $8,500 a year.
Obama repeatedly has cited that letter from a self-employed cleaning worker who lives in Strongsville to illustrate the urgency of the massive overhaul.
Canfield's sister, Connie Anderson, introduced Obama. She received a hug from the president at the conclusion of her remarks.
"I know we've got some seniors with us today," said the president, his jacket off and shirt sleeves rolled up. "So let me just tell you directly: this proposal adds almost a decade of solvency to Medicare."
He said it also would close a gap in prescription drug coverage know as a doughnut hole.
"This proposal will over time help reduce the costs of Medicare that you pay every month," Obama said. "And this proposal would make preventive care free so you don't have to pay out-of-pocket for tests that keep you healthy."
Obama did not discuss details, but officials have said the gap in prescription drug coverage would close over a decade.
Protesters arrived hours early, lining several blocks leading to the senior center. They stood in a light drizzle, waved to passing vehicles and held signs including "Don't stick me with your Obamacare," "Start over," and one decorated with 12 skull and crossbones and the message, "Obama care, it's to die for."