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I am proud to support
Medicare Prescription Drug coverage for all seniors. As more
and more Americans approach retirement, the need to modernize
Medicare prescription drug coverage is increasing. Many
seniors already have drug coverage through private health
plans and Medicaid, but over 13 million seniors are still left
to independently battle high drug prices. Unfortunately, some
seniors are forced to choose between food and monthly
medications.
Dramatic increases in federal funding
for medical research and expanded access are making possible
new and innovative treatments for diseases such as cancer,
Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s, broadening the range of
treatment options available to most patients, and improving
the efficacy and convenience of high quality healthcare.
Late last month, the House passed a
comprehensive Medicare prescription drug benefit to provide
seniors with the assistance they need to meet rising
prescription drug costs. Most importantly, under the House
plan, all Medicare beneficiaries will be covered
should they choose to sign up. This benefit will provide
seniors with an invaluable helping hand in meeting the cost of
the most advanced and effective prescription drug therapies.
The following are a few highlights from
the House passed Medicare Modernization and Prescription Drug
Act of 2002:
Affordable Access for All
Seniors:
- Premium approximately $35 per month
or $1 a day
- $250 deductible
- $251-$1,000: 80% coverage, 20%
cost-sharing
- $1,000-$2,000: 50% coverage, 50%
cost-sharing
- Catastrophic protection after $3,700
out-of-pocket: 100% of costs covered
- Medicare pays for the premium and
nearly 100% reimbursement for the lowest-income seniors
(under 150% of the poverty level)
- Lower premiums for those under 150%
to 175% of the poverty level
Quality Healthcare for All
Seniors:
- Use of new technology to minimize
medical errors
- Improved processes to safeguard
against adverse drug interactions
- Pharmacy therapy management for
chronic conditions
Please know that I
personally will do everything possible to insure that we
increase Medicare funding and provide our seniors with better
access to affordable prescription drugs and quality
healthcare.
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