Congressman
John Shimkus

Health Care

Medicare

As you know, the 2003 Medicare Modernization Act has recently been signed into law. This agreement will give all Medicare beneficiaries access to prescription drug coverage and the buying power to reduce prices they pay for drugs. The legislation provides enhanced coverage for the lowest income beneficiaries and an immediate prescription drug discount card for all beneficiaries until the full plan is available nationwide. Additionally, the proposal includes savings for many state governments; increased coverage for preventative services; and provisions for modernizing the drug delivery infrastructure.

As we begin to implement this new law, please find below some helpful links to information on Medicare.

• http://www.medicare.gov/
• Detailed information on the 2003 Medicare Modernization Act
• You may also contact Medicare by phone at 1-800-Medicare

Medicare Savings Calculators

Not sure of your savings with the new 2003 Medicare Modernization Act? This calculator allows Medicare beneficiaries to estimate their out-of-pocket spending under the new prescription drug benefit passed by the House of Representatives on November 21, 2003. For beneficiaries currently lacking any prescription drug coverage, the calculator estimates savings.

Medicare Personal Plan Finder

This tool will provide you with a list of Medicare health plan choices in the geographic area you specify, along with benefit descriptions and other information to help you choose the plan that’s best for you.

Helpful Medicare Resources

Press Release From Sec. of Health and Human Services

Fact Sheet on the New Drug Cards

Printable Drug Benefits Charts (PDF)

Printable Brochure on Medicare Benefits (PDF)

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