Issue Position: Seniors

Issue Position

I am pleased to say that I am continuing the fight to help our Seniors here in Maryland! During the past four years, I have sponsored and supported legislation on several issues, such as prescription drug costs, that have a direct impact on seniors. As well as working hard to pass legislation in Annapolis, I have worked hard to keep our Seniors informed about important issues that concern them. Each Year I sponsor my "Annual Seniors Forum" to provide information to seniors which my be of concern to them. Some of my initiatives on behalf of Seniors include:

Successfully Supporting the "Senior Citizen Prescription Medicine Relief Act of 2005," designed to ensure that Medicare beneficiaries receive affordable prescription drugs.

Successfully Fought to retain funding in the budget for the operation of Senior Centers and the Meals on Wheels Program in Baltimore City.

Sponsored legislation to prohibit insurance companies from attempting to sell additional types of insurance coverage (often times unneeded coverage) while enrolling seniors into a Medicare Part D insurance prescription plan.

Successfully Supported legislation to provide funding to research entities in Maryland for stem cell research to help find treatment and cures for chronic diseases.

Successfully Sponsored legislation to renew the Maryland Medbank Program, which provides free prescription drug medication to low-income individuals who do not have prescription drug coverage.

Supported legislation providing that a health service plan, or health maintenance organization that limits coverage for prescription drugs to those on its formulary must include in the formulary alternative drugs for certain sub-groups of the population.

Successfully Sponsoring over 12 different outreach forums to inform Seniors about the new Medicare Part D insurance program and to assist them with the registration process.

Sponsoring legislation to provide a thirty (30) day restriction against selling additional types of insurance coverage when a Medicare Part D prescription drug policy is issued.

Successfully working to keep the Carter Mental Health Center open in Baltimore City.

Continually Working in the community with our Seniors by sponsoring my "Annual Seniors Forum " throughout the District to provide Seniors with information regarding issues which are important to them.

Source