Moran Expresses Displeasure with Medicare Part D

Discusses Problems with Head Officials of Prescription Drug Program

WASHINGTON, D.C. - This week Congressman Jerry Moran discussed problems with the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit in a conference call with Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Michael Leavitt and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Mark McClellan. In November 2003, Moran voted against the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan because he was concerned the plan would fail to meet the needs of rural seniors.

Moran emphasized the need for more attention to rural areas as Leavitt and McClellan talked about continuing outreach and education efforts being conducted by CMS. Moran shared with the Secretary and Administrator some of the complaints and feedback he is receiving during his Big First Listening Tour. 

"I continue to hear from Kansans about how complex this benefit is. There are many plan choices and many things to consider, like drug costs and whether or not your local pharmacy is accepting the plan you want," Moran said. "Kansans, and seniors across the country, need more time to sort through their options and choose a plan that best fits their health care needs."

Because of the confusion surrounding the prescription drug benefit, Moran has sponsored legislation to extend the enrollment deadline to December 31, 2006.

Moran will continue fighting to improve the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit. As a past co-chairman and current steering committee member of the Rural Health Care Coalition, he is a leader in voicing rural health care concerns in Congress.

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