Wilson held the hourlong forum at Palmetto Electric Cooperative near Sun City Hilton Head to answer questions about the new law and its effects. The $400 billion overhaul was signed into law by President Bush on Dec. 8.

Residents were most interested in whether they would be able to choose which plan they wanted, if private plans would drop them if they went on Medicare and whether lower-income recipients would be charged less.

Wilson's answers to the seniors' questions: They would have a choice, they wouldn't be dropped by private plans and lower-income recipients would pay less.

The congressman, whose district includes Beaufort and Jasper counties, said it was a "rough and tumble" political process, but he was pleased with the final result. Even so, he said it was not an "everything free" program and said, "Lots of people will be disappointed."

The new law modernizes the current Medicare program, while adding new prescription drug and preventive benefits, said Darren Katz, the Atlanta-based regional director for the Healthcare Leadership Council, a coalition of chief executive officers in the health care industry. The law allows seniors to choose their own doctors, hospitals and pharmacies.

Katz, who attended the forum, said the bill would go into effect in three phases over the next three years, starting with a $30 prescription drug card this summer that will deliver a 15 to 20 percent savings. In 2005 the program will offer increased screening benefits, and in 2006, a new drug plan goes into effect.

Wilson said new subsidies included in the bill would help lower-income Americans.

Coverage of screening procedures would be beneficial for catching some diseases early, he said, which may help lower South Carolina's diabetes rate, the second-highest in the nation.

Though the latest White House estimate places the law's price tag at $520 billion, Wilson said he would be "keeping an eye out" to keep costs at $400 billion.

When one of the 14 or so audience members asked if the bill was a step toward universal health care, Wilson's response was an emphatic 'no.'

"My intent is to avoid universal health care," he said. "I'm very concerned that a program like that could lead to waiting lists."