MEDICARE REFORM

Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act

On December 8, 2003 President Bush signed the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act.  The premise of this act is to preserve and strengthen the current Medicare program, add important new prescription drugs and preventive benefits, and provide additional support to people with low incomes.  The act creates Medicare Part D.  Enrollees of Part D will pay a monthly premium.  Individuals eligible for Part A or enrolled in Part B are eligible for Part D.

http://www.cms.hhs.gov/medicarereform/  (Full Text of Act, Congress Version)

http://www.aafp.org/x2558.xml  (Full Text of Act, Lay Version)

http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2004pres/20040325.html  (Discount Drug Card Approval – Press Release)

http://www.cms.hhs.gov/discountdrugs  (Employer guidelines, forms, applications, and related links)

http://www.medicare.gov/MedicareReform/ (Overview of law, FAQS, related links)

http://www.groom.com/articles_display.asp?display=261  (HSA/FSA Comparison – Chart)

http://www.groom.com/articles_display.asp?display=266  (Explanation of tax-free subsidies for Employer-Sponsored Plans – Article)