Health Care and Medicare

In the 29th District, we are fortunate to have several high quality health care facilities.  I am a strong supporter of the healthcare community and want you to know that healthcare is one of my top priorities.  During the 110th Congress, I look forward to discussions with my colleagues as we take a look at ways to reduce health care costs and reduce the number of uninsured Americans.
 
Some of the health related issues facing Congress include:  decreasing the number of uninsured, lowering the cost of prescription drugs, improving patient safety by reducing medical errors, reforming medical malpractice liability, and funding essential medical research.

Before I was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, Congress passed the Medicare Modernization Act (MMA) in 2003.  It is my understanding that when Congress created the prescription drug benefit (Medicare Part D), the goal was to lower prescription drug costs for seniors.  The Medicare Part D program has proven to be a tremendous success, with thousands of seniors in the 29th District signing up for the program.  Prior to Medicare Part D, many seniors were forced to spend a large portion of their fixed income on life-sustaining, life-saving prescription medications.

Now, seniors are saving an average of $1,200 on their annual prescription drug costs and the program is driving down the monthly premiums, drug prices, and the overall cost of the program to taxpayers.  In fact, initial estimates suggested that beneficiaries would pay, on average, premiums of $37 per month.  Instead, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the average national monthly premium for beneficiaries was $23 in 2006 and is estimated to be around $22 for beneficiaries in 2007. 

However, as with any new program, there have been some glitches.  At the town meetings I held across the district, I heard many concerns about the Medicare Part D late enrollment penalty.  Last Congress, I supported legislation to extend the deadline to January 1, 2007, for seniors to sign up for the benefit penalty-free.  During the 110th Congress, I will continue to review the Medicare Part D program and work with my colleagues to make any necessary changes, adjustments, and updates 

For more information about Medicare Part D, please visit the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service’s website at www. Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE.
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Related Documents:

Press Release - Kuhl Votes To Increase Breast Cancer Research and Eliminate ‘Drive-Thru’ Mastectomies 9.25.2008

Press Release - Kuhl Announces Corning Police Department Grant 9.11.2008

Press Release - Kuhl Announces Arnot Ogden Medical Center Receives Top Performer Status from Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services 8.26.2008

Press Release - AARP Recognizes Kuhl For His Bipartisan Commitment to Providing Access To Health Care For Americans 8.14.2008

Press Release - Kuhl Introduces Legislation to Fully Fund SCHIP through 2012 8.1.2008


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Related Files:

CRS Report on Prescription Drug Importation

CRS Report on the Medicare Prescription Drug Modernization and Improvement Act

CRS Report on Medicare-Endorsed Prescription Drug Cards

CRS Report on How Medicaid Works: Program Basics

CRS Report on Health Spending

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