House Approves Historic Prescription Drug Benefit, Medicare Reform
November 24, 2003
See Also: Medicare Resource Kit
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman David Dreier (R-San Dimas), Chairman of the House Rules Committee, voted early Saturday to approve the final version of legislation that creates a prescription drug benefit under Medicare. The Medicare Prescription Drug and Modernization Act of 2003 Conference Report, H.R.1, was approved with bipartisan support, 220-215.
"Today is a historic day for America's seniors," Dreier said. "For the first time in its history Medicare, which serves millions of Americans, will provide a real prescription drug benefit. Advances in prescription drugs have made disease prevention possible, and have changed life for millions of seniors. We have finally delivered on the promise to provide seniors with a plan that will provide them with the drugs they need to lead longer, healthier lives. I'm particularly pleased that this legislation includes $100 million worth of relief for California's Disproportionate Share Hospitals."
The final version of H.R. 1 includes several benefits for seniors. It gives every Medicare-eligible senior access to an affordable prescription drug benefit, with extra help for local income seniors. Additionally, seniors will receive immediate savings of 15-25 percent through a prescription drug discount care that will be available in 2004 and 2005, before the entire drug benefit begins in 2006. The legislation also includes the creation of new, portable Health Savings Accounts, which allow Americans to save money tax free for health care needs.
The Medicare bill contains incentives for employers to encourage them to continue offering retiree coverage. The agreement contains the most generous package Congress has considered for rural and suburban health care. Additionally, seniors will have better access to doctors, hospitals and crucial treatment options, regardless of where they live.
Dreier noted that the bill provided relief for California's Disproportionate Share Hospitals. This measure provides $3 billion dollars in payments for Fiscal Year 2004, including $100 million dollars in relief for California alone. He commended his California colleague Congressman Bill Thomas (R-Bakersfield), Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, for his leadership in crafting this historic legislation.
