Modernizing the current Medicare system is long overdue reform, and I commend the president for helping 40 million people have more choice and better health care in their retirement years.

Seniors will be able to choose the health plan that best fits their needs rather than having limited options under an outdated government system. And yet, seniors can choose to stay in traditional Medicare and still get prescription drug choice if they decide this is the best program for them.

The word to remember when the political rhetoric subsides is choice. The president has empowered an important and growing voting population by making health-care options more diverse, not to mention affordable.

Howard L. Bickford and

Franka L. Bickford, East Wilton