Senate Medicare Bill – A Step in the Right Direction

(June 10, 2003, Arlington, VA) – The National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU) praises Senators Charles Grassley (R) and Max Baucus (D) for introducing legislation that will greatly improve the Medicare program and ensure its long-term financial stability. The Prescription Drug and Medicare Improvement Act of 2003 will provide seniors with more health care choices, better benefits and better access to the latest innovative medical practices and treatments.

"The structure of the Medicare program has changed little in more than 30 years, and does not adequately meet the needs of today's beneficiaries," explained Janet Trautwein, vice president of government affairs. "Comprehensive Medicare reform is necessary to ensure that beneficiaries have a Medicare program that provides choices and is flexible enough to accommodate advancements in health care.

"The Senate proposal provides meaningful Medicare reforms that will help current and future beneficiaries. The legislation guarantees access to affordable prescription drugs for all beneficiaries, utilizes private-sector mechanisms to manage costs, increases access to new comprehensive plan choices, and offers flexible high-quality benefits.

"We're also pleased that the legislation removes some of the disincentives for carriers to participate in the program and encourages new private plans which will bolster plan participation, providing better coverage to more seniors.

"Without fundamental structural change, the current Medicare program will be insufficient to support the needs of its beneficiaries and deliver the quality of care Americans expect. We look forward to our continued work with members of Congress and the Administration on an improved program that will finally bring Medicare into the 21st century."

The National Association of Health Underwriters represents more than 18,000 professional health insurance agents and brokers who provide insurance for millions of Americans. NAHU is headquartered in Arlington, VA. For more information, please call Kelly Loussedes at 703-276-3835 or email kloussedes@nahu.org or visit our web site at www.nahu.org.

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