Bush Signs Medicare Bill
Into Law; CMS Issues Rule on Drug Card
December 12, 2003 - President Bush Dec. 8 signed the
"Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization
Act of 2003" into law (P.L.
108-173).
In his remarks
Bush stated, "With the Medicare Act of 2003, our government
is finally bringing prescription drug coverage to the seniors
of America. With this law, we're giving older Americans better
choices and more control over their health care, so they can
receive the modern medical care they deserve. With this law,
we are providing more access to comprehensive exams, disease
screenings, and other preventative care, so that seniors across
this land can live better and healthier lives. With this law,
we are creating Health Savings Accounts. We do so, so that
all Americans can put money away for their health care tax-free."
Bush acknowledged and thanked a number of administration
officials, as well as a number of the Medicare conferees for
"get[ting] this important piece of legislation passed."
Bush also acknowledged representatives from the AARP and 60
Plus Association, key senior citizens group who supported
the legislation.
In addition, Bush stated, "This coming spring, seniors
will receive a letter to explain the drug discount card. In
June, these cards, including the $600 annual drug credit for
low-income seniors, will be activated. This drug card can
be used until the end of 2005. In the fall of that year, seniors
will receive an information booklet giving simple guidance
on changes in the program and the new choices they will have.
Then in January of 2006, seniors will have their new coverage,
including permanent coverage for prescription drugs."
Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson
Dec. 10 issued a press
release announcing an interim final rule outlining the
discount card program. Secretary Thompson suggested the quick
release of the rule "is unprecedented, and points to
the importance of eliminating the practice of Medicare beneficiaries
having to pay full price for prescription drugs."
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) estimates
that about 7.3 million Medicare beneficiaries will enroll
in the program, with about 4.7 million of that population
eligible for low-income assistance. The assistance includes
$600 a year that will be added to the card and a waiver of
the annual enrollment fee, which could be as high as $30.
Information:
Lynne Davis Boyle, Assistant Vice President
AAMC Government Relations
ldavisboyle@aamc.org
(202) 828-0526
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