Medicare Conferees Discuss
Contentious Issues
November 7, 2003 - The House and Senate conferees
to the Medicare prescription drug legislation (H.R.
1/ S.
1) continued to meet throughout the week of Nov. 3. Little
progress was reported on contentious issues, such as premium
support, cost containment, ensuring employers continue providing
health care coverage for retirees, and drug re-importation.
However, conferees reportedly hope to complete by Nov. 11
a document that would outline areas of agreement and disagreement.
Conferees are under pressure to complete an agreement in order
that legislation would be passed by Nov. 21, Congress' current
target adjournment date.
Senator Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.) Nov. 4 issued a press release
criticizing the Republican conferees of "placing Medicare
in greater jeopardy and putting millions of retirees at great
risk of losing the coverage they now have." Sen. Kennedy
stated, "Clearly this bill is on life support, but it's
not too late to resuscitate."
Information:
Lynne Davis Boyle, Assistant Vice President
AAMC Office of Governmental Relations
ldavisboyle@aamc.org
(202) 828-0526
Get Washington Highlights
in your Inbox!
| 
