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Healthcare

To see video of Congresswoman Lee speaking on this issue, please click here.

The United States spends a large and growing share of national income on health care. In 2005, health spending is expected to be about $1.9 trillion, more than 15% of gross domestic product (GDP). But despite paying more than twice as much per capita as other developed countries, basic health statistics like life expectancy and infant mortality for the United States are about average. The United States is one of only two industrialized nations that does not offer universal, government sponsored healthcare. There are more than 45 million Americans without health insurance, more than 9 million of them children. Of the uninsured, 56 percent are low income, and although minorities make up approximately 34 percent of the population, they comprise over half of the nation’s uninsured.

Congresswoman Lee has been at the forefront of the fight to make high quality healthcare accessible for all. She has supported efforts to cut the number of uninsured in half by expanding access to affordable health coverage for the nearly-elderly, low-income working parents, and small business employees.

Congresswoman Lee has long been a leading voice in the fight to make access to healthcare universal. She has fought to establish a United States Health Service (USHS) and provide health coverage for all Americans. The measure was first introduced in 1978 by her predecessor, Rep. Ron Dellums, and has been a priority for Lee since her election in 1998.

Medicare Part D

As many of you may know, in June of 2003, Congress passed a prescription drug plan that for all intents and purposes privatizes Medicare by turning over control to HMO’s and the private health industry. This new benefit is also known as the Medicare Prescription Drug program (or Medicare Part D). The Medicare Part D plan contains severe policy implications, including: restrictions on patient’s privacy, no Federal cost containment mechanisms, the elimination of high risk pools; and burdensome re-registration and non-portability of coverage for seniors. Nevertheless, the program is now law and although I feel it is a less than “ideal” plan, I would like to make sure my constituents can make the most informed decision.

Beginning January 1, 2006, Medicare will offer beneficiaries assistance in paying for a range of prescription drugs. Participants in this program will initially pay a premium of $37 a month. Coverage will be based on the amount spent on prescription drugs for the year. For example:
  • Part D participants pay 25 percent of drug costs from $250-$2,250, while Medicare pays 75 percent
  • Part D participants pay 100 percent of drug costs from $2,850 up to $3,600 and Medicare pays nothing
  • Part D participants pay 5 percent for anything over $3,600


Medicare Part D is available to enrolled or eligible participants in the Medicare Part A or Medicare Part B programs. In order to join the Part D plan for the 2006 cycle, you must apply via online (medicare.gov) or call toll free (1-800-MEDICARE, TTY 1-877-486-2048) between November 15-December 31, 2005. If you do not enroll with the Part D program by December 31st, Medicare will automatically enroll you in a plan (not of your choosing) by May 15, 2006.

If you apply for the Part D program prior to December 31, 2005, you should receive a prescription drug card in January 2006. These cards may be used at your pharmacy. My District Office can direct many questions that you may have regarding eligibility and enrollment; however, the best resource on how to choose a plan under the Part D program, or costs please contact the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or www.medicare.gov.