[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 153 (Thursday, November 17, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2394]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       MEDICARE MODERNIZATION ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARIO DIAZ-BALART

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 17, 2005

  Mr. DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, as I am sure you are aware, 
this week kicks-off the enrollment period for the newest benefit 
available to Medicare recipients, the Prescription Drug Benefit Plan. 
This benefit allows seniors to continue to purchase their 
prescriptions, but at a major cost savings. For those seniors currently 
without drug coverage, or looking for better coverage, this option will 
be a welcome help in addressing their rising pharmaceutical costs. 
Extra help will be available for those who need it, and a choice of 
plans will be available for seniors to pick the one that best meets 
their needs. The new plans will cover both brand name and generic drugs 
at participating pharmacies. I encourage all Medicare recipients to 
take time to learn about the new benefit, talk it over with family and 
friends, and consider how it can help them pay for their prescription 
drug needs.
  Beginning January 1, 2006, Medicare eligible seniors will be able to 
begin benefiting from the optional drug benefit program in which they 
will receive prescription drugs at a 75 percent discount. Once they 
spend $3,600 annually, they will save 95 percent on all drug costs. 
Economically needy seniors will be eligible for additional assistance. 
Medicaid recipients will begin to receive drugs through Medicare.
  Medicare recipients should review available drug plans as soon as 
possible. With a broad selection of plans available, seniors are 
encouraged to review and pick a plan that best suits their needs. In 
order to assist seniors make this important decision, Medicare has 
created a call line and website. Seniors should feel free to contact 
Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE or www.medicare.gov in order to aid them in 
making the best possible choice.
  Another great new feature of the Medicare Modernization Act, which 
included the Prescription Drug Benefit, is the new preventative 
services offered to all Medicare recipients. Medicare now covers a free 
initial physical exam for all new beneficiaries. Beneficiaries are also 
encouraged to partake in the free glaucoma, breast, cervical, 
colorectal, and prostate cancer screening, as well as cholesterol, 
blood lipid, diabetes, and osteoporosis screenings. The preventative 
screenings and new disease management programs are a way for seniors to 
be proactive in their healthcare, so as to maintain a high quality of 
life throughout retirement.
  The Prescription Drug Benefit and the preventative services program 
are important steps in realizing the government's 40-year-old promise 
to make quality health care available to every eligible senior in the 
United States. I am proud to have voted for the Medicare Modernization 
Act in 2003, and am proud of the cost savings it will provide for all 
Seniors.

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