Vote number 2003-262 $40 billion per year for limited Medicare prescription drug benefit
on Jun 26, 2003 regarding bill S.1/H.R.1 Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit bill
Results: Bill Passed 76-21: R 40-10; D 35-11

S. 1 As Amended; Prescription Drug and Medicare Improvement Act of 2003. Vote to pass a bill that would authorize $400 billion over 10 years to create a prescription drug benefit for Medicare recipients beginning in 2006. Seniors would be allowed to remain within the traditional fee-for-service program or seniors would have the option to switch to a Medicare Advantage program that includes prescription drug coverage. Private insurers would provide prescription drug coverage. Private Insurers would engage in competitive bidding to be awarded two-year regional contracts by the Center for Medicare Choices under the Department of Health and Human Services.Enrolled seniors would pay a $275 deductible and an average monthly premium of $35. Annual drug costs beyond the deductible and up to $4,500 would be divided equally between the beneficiary and the insurer. Beneficiaries with incomes below 160 percent of the poverty level would be eligible for added assistance.

Categorized under Health Care

Voting Y counts for 1 points on VoteMatch question 5: More Federal Funding for Health Coverage.