WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Pete Stark (D-CA), Ranking Democrat on the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, today praised the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for a new rule that would protect beneficiaries from sudden formulary changes. As enacted, the Medicare prescription drug program allowed insurance plans to remove drugs from formularies and cease paying for beneficiaries’ necessary prescriptions.

“Better late than never,” said Representative Stark. “The Bush Administration finally reversed course and acted to protect beneficiaries from a sudden loss of prescription drug coverage. I hope this is the first of many actions to fix the myriad of problems with the confusing Republican drug program. Because seven million eligible seniors and people with disabilities have yet to enroll, the President’s next step ought to be extending the May 15 enrollment deadline.”