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| Wilson Works to Keep Medicare Savings Program Premiums for Low-Income Seniors |
September 25, 2003 |
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| Washington, DC – Congresswoman Heather Wilson said today that a vital program for New Mexico’s low-income seniors will remain secure.
Wilson contacted House Majority Leader Tom Delay on Tuesday, September 23, to ensure that the QI-1 Medicare Savings Program would be extended. Late Wednesday, the House voted to extend the program, under which low-income seniors do not pay their Medicare Part B premiums. The authorization for the program would have ended September 30.
“Extending this Medicare Savings Program will save 1,000 low-income New Mexico seniors $58.70 per month,” Wilson said. “Since 1965, Medicare’s promise to our seniors has been to ensure their basic care.”
The extension saves these seniors about $700 annually that can be spent on other needs, such as food, prescriptions or housing.
Also extended through March 2004 was funding for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). TANF includes grants to states and Indian tribes, as well as important funding for mandatory child care and transitional medical assistance.
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