Davis Tells Both Bush Administrations – Don’t Leave Seniors Out in the Cold

Davis calls for deadline extension for Medicare Part D reimbursements.

Click here to read Rep. Davis' letter to CMS.

WASHINGTON, DC – Just a day after Valentine’s Day, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the State of Florida are leaving some of America’s most vulnerable seniors and disabled out in the cold.  After today, CMS will no longer reimburse states that have covered the cost of prescription drugs for low-income beneficiaries who have been turned away or overcharged under the Administration’s Medicare prescription drug program.  In addition, the State of Florida will no longer help those who are still having trouble getting their prescription drugs through Medicare Part D.

Today, Rep. Davis called on CMS to continue the reimbursement program until problems with the Medicare Part D program are resolved, and he called on Governor Jeb Bush to continue helping Florida’s patients in need. 

This year, all low-income seniors and disabled were forced to give up their Medicaid drug coverage and enroll in Medicare Part D.  However, when many of these dual-eligible beneficiaries (eligible for Medicaid and Medicare) have gone to the pharmacy, they have been turned away or overcharged because the pharmacist was unable to determine what drug plan they were enrolled in. 

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt promised to fix the problems and reimburse states that have covered the cost of these patients’ prescriptions.  However, the deadline for reimbursements is today, and many low-income seniors and disabled are still having trouble getting their medications. 

Last week, Davis , joined by several of his Florida colleagues, sent the attached letter to CMS Administrator Mark McClellan urging him to continue the reimbursement program.  He has not received a response.

“This is one rotten valentine for America ’s seniors and disabled,” said Congressman Jim Davis .  “ America ’s neediest patients should never be forced to forgo lifesaving prescription drugs.  Until they fix every problem with the Medicare Part D program, the Administration should continue to reimburse the states that are helping the beneficiaries who have been left behind.”

“Furthermore, Governor Jeb Bush should step up to the plate and continue to help Florida patients who are having problems getting the drugs they need to survive.”

Congressman Davis voted against the bill that created the Medicare Part D program, but has been working to fix the broken drug plan.  He is a cosponsor of The Medicare Emergency Drug Intervention Compensation Act to reimburse states for covering the cost of prescriptions for dual-eligible seniors and disabled.  Davis also supports legislation to delay the deadline for enrollment in Medicare Part D so seniors have more time to make sense of the confusing drug plans, as well as legislation to allow the Department of Health and Human Services to negotiate with drug companies for lower prices on the medications used by Medicare beneficiaries.