Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that would authorize $350 billion for the Medicare Program, including establishing voluntary prescription drug benefits, and for other purposes through 2012.

Highlights:

• Allows HMOs, private drug insurers and benefit managers to offer drug benefits to Medicare recipients.

• Estimates by Congressional Budget Office outline about $33/month premium with a $250 annual deductible.

• Requires beneficiaries to pay between $2000 and $3700 annually for out-of-pocket costs of prescription drugs.

• Creates the Medicare Benefits Administration with leaders appointed by the President.

• Offers grant assistance to pharmacies under this new legislation.

• Increases spending for inpatient services provided by hospitals in rural or metropolitan areas with populations less than one million and for services provided by home health agencies in rural areas.

Full Bill Text

Full Bill Text