Medicare

It is clear that the rising cost of prescription drugs is one of the main reasons for the increase in our seniors' health care expenses.  I also agree with you that this situation must be immediately addressed so that seniors do not continue to worry about financing their prescription drugs and can focus their time and energy on staying healthy. 

This Congress is considering and has voted on several legislative initiatives to assist and protect seniors from the rising costs of health care expenses.  I want you to know that I support health care bills that provide adequate services, while controlling health care expenses. This year I cosponsored the National Health Insurance Act)H.R.676), a bill that would make Medicare more accessible by providing comprehensive drug coverage to seniors.  This bill also seeks to expand funding for programs for low-income Americans and provide insurance to the underinsured. 

I recently voted in support of the Children's Health and Medicare Protection Act of 2007 (CHAMP Act, H.R. 3162), a bill that renews the federal health care coverage program for low-income children and prevents steep Medicare cuts to physicians caring for seniors. This bill will also strengthen Medicare by expanding preventive benefits, mental health services and physical, occupational and speech therapies.

In addition, I support the Medicare Prescription Drug Price Negotiation Act of 2007 (H.R. 4).  This legislation, passed by the House in January, seeks to lower prescription drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries by increasing competition and providing a wide range of choices which can, in turn, lead to a more productive environment for the development of new drugs. H.R 4 is now awaiting consideration by the Senate. 

These are some important steps that this Congress has taken to protect the health of our seniors.  Please be assured that I remain committed to helping our senior citizens gain better access to health care services and prescription drugs.