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Committee on Ways and Means For Immediate Release Committee Passes Rx Drug Entitlement and Steps to Strengthen Medicare and Long Term Care WASHINGTON -- Early today, the Ways and Means Committee voted to provide prescription drug coverage for seniors - a benefit that is currently not part of the Medicare program. ‘The Medicare Modernization and Prescription Drug Act of 2002,’ H.R. 4954, passed the Committee by a vote of 22-16. “Our bill would deliver 21st century drug coverage by providing a voluntary, affordable prescription drug benefit as an entitlement to all Medicare beneficiaries. We provide a comprehensive benefit within realistic budget parameters,” said Ways and Means Chairman Bill Thomas (R-CA). “This bill not only brings needed prescription drugs to our seniors, but it will also revitalize the Medicare+Choice plans,” said Health Subcommittee Chairman Nancy Johnson (R-CT). “They offer seniors with chronic illnesses the only access under Medicare to disease management plans that can so improve seniors’ quality of life while reducing high-cost hospitalization.” The Committee accepted Chairman Thomas’ amendment to H.R. 4954. One of the key provisions of the amendment was to reduce the drug benefit’s catastrophic level from $4,500 down to $3,800 - this is $200 lower than catastrophic level proposed by Senate Democrats. Other notable changes included an amendment offered by Rep. Jim Nussle (R-IA) to strengthen rural hospitals, and an amendment offered by Rep. Dave Camp (R-MI) to enhance cholesterol screenings for Medicare beneficiaries. The Committee also voted in support of the ‘Improving Access to Long-Term Care Act of 2002.’ H.R. 4946 provides immediate tax relief to assist individuals in acquiring and maintaining long-term health care for themselves, their spouse and their dependents. |