AARP Takes Its Case to Congress
By: Source: AARP Bulletin Today Date Posted: 2003-06-27 14:24:32
Should Medicare prescription drug coverage be linked to fundamental changes in Medicare?
AARP supports "sensible improvements as long as they start with drug coverage and would not put the traditional fee-for-service program, and the millions of beneficiaries who rely on it, at a disadvantage," AARP board member Erik Olsen told lawmakers at a recent congressional hearing. Olsen also spelled out the "key features" AARP members want in a drug benefit.
It should be "available to all beneficiaries, whether they choose traditional Medicare, managed care or a new coverage option," he said. "It should provide coverage we can rely on from year to year. It should provide extra help for people of low income [and] those with the highest costs. Moreover, it should not create more incentives for employers to drop current retiree coverage."
AARP recognizes budget constraints, Olsen said. "Nevertheless," he added, "the situation facing millions of older and disabled persons who cannot afford the drugs they need continues to worsen and constitutes a health care and financial emergency that must be addressed."
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