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November 26, 2003 Local legislators help push senior drug plan By Blake M. Petit U.S. Representatives Billy Tauzin and David Vitter both voted Saturday morning, with a majority of their fellow house Republicans, to pass a major prescription drug plan for senior citizens through the House of Representatives. The plan passed a Senate vote Tuesday morning and is expected to have the support of President Bush in a few weeks. Senate Democrats attempted a filibuster of the plan on Monday, but enough joined Republicans to break the filibuster by a 70-29 vote. Both of Louisiana’s senators, John Breaux and Mary Landrieu, were among the Democrats who broke ranks and voted to end debate on the bill. “This plan lowers the cost of prescription drugs for seniors and reforms Medicare to make it stronger and more stable for future generations,” Vitter said. "More than 40 million American seniors count on Medicare. My own mother does. By passing the conference report today, Congress will provide a much-needed prescription drug benefit to seniors and strengthen Medicare so it is on firm ground for generations to come," said Tauzin. If passed, the bill will provide all 622,45 Medicare beneficiaries in Louisiana with access to a prescription drug benefit for the first time in the program’s history, beginning in January of 2006. The plan will include savings of 15 to 25 percent on prescriptions through a drug discount card, a benefit that will cover 75 percent of a senior’s first $2,250 in expenses, a premium of $35 a month, a $250 deductible, catastrophic coverage on all costs over $3,600 with a nominal 5 percent co-pay and additional help for low-income seniors with the government helping to cover costs for seniors with incomes below 150 percent of poverty-level. Seniors will be able to choose the plan that suits them best. Beginning in April 2004 seniors will be eligible for an interim discount drug card, which will save an average of 15 to 25 percent per prescription, for use until the bill takes affect in 2006. “Under this plan, seniors will be able to choose the coverage that is best for them,” Vitter said, “and they’ll enjoy better access to more of the cutting-edge and life-saving medications that will allow them to live more enjoyable and healthy lives.” The bill also creates a Health Savings Accounts program, which will allow Americans to save money for future needs, making contributions to the account tax-free. Citizens, their employers and their family members will be able to made tax-free contributions to these accounts. Up to 100 percent of the health plan deductible may be saved annually, up to a maximum of $2,600 for self-only policies and $5,150 for family policies, individuals between the ages of 55 and 65 can make additional tax-free “catch up” contributions of up to $1,000 and distributions can be used to pay for retiree health insurance, Medicare expenses, prescription drugs and other expenses. A voluntary “Welcome to Medicare” physical will be made available to all seniors upon enrolling in the program. The bill includes incentives for employers to encourage them to continue offering retiree coverage, and switches prescription drug costs from Medicaid to Medicare for Louisiana residents eligible for both programs. This will save the state $333 million over eight years on drug coverage for Medicaid recipients. "Whether you are a senior currently relying on Medicare for your every day health care or a baby boomer inching towards retirement -- it simply doesn't matter. You will be better off after this bill becomes law than you are today. Our bill offers an essential new benefit that will mean permanent prescription drug access, lower drug costs and if catastrophe strikes, federal assistance so seniors aren't forced into bankruptcy,” Tauzin said. "Congress has been working on this issue for years. Failure was not an option because seniors cannot go another year without drug coverage. I am proud of our efforts and know that my own mom, like her friends and most seniors, will appreciate the expanded benefits offered under our Medicare bill." Blake M. Petit can be reached at BlakeP@heraldguide.com or at 758-2795, ext. 215.
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