Health Care

Congress also made many advances in health care policy. One of the most significant health care accomplishments of the 109th Congress was the successful implementation of Medicare Part D, the new prescription drug program. Despite a few initial problems with the program, it has now been successfully implemented and is exceeding expectations, with recent reports indicating the typical senior citizen is saving more than $1,100 every year in out-of-pocket costs for medications.

I authored legislation, which was signed into law in 2006, to allow an individual to purchase a long-term care insurance policy approved by a State government. In return, the State would guarantee that, should the policy benefits be exhausted, the government would cover the costs of their continued care through Medicaid. This will save money for State Medicaid programs and for individuals who need long-term care.

From http://craig.senate.gov/wrapup109.cfm

 

Americans Back Price Negotiations On Medicare Drugs

A new poll shows that the overwhelming majority of Americans favor allowing the government to negotiate prescription drug prices for the Medicare program, suggesting there will be considerable political pressure on the next Congress to do so.

From http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/12/08/AR2006120801578.html

 

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