January 31, 2007
Contact: Paul Williams, 703/894-1805, ext. 242 or
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
> Senators to Reintroduce Measure to End Part D Co-Payments for AL Residents
> Senate Aging Committee Announces 2007 Priorities
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Senators to Reintroduce Measure to End Part D Co-Payments for AL Residents
Sen. Gordon Smith (R-OR), ranking member of the Senate Select Committee
on Aging, has announced his plan to to reintroduce legislation with
Sens. Bill Nelson (D-FL), Hillary Clinton (D-NY), and Blanche Lincoln
(D-AR) that will eliminate Medicare Part D prescription drug
co-payments for dual-eligible residents (Medicare and Medicaid
beneficiaries) in assisted living communities and other home- and
community-based settings. Sen. Smith’s announcement was made during an
Aging Committee hearing this morning that focused on the Medicare Part
D Prescription Drug Program, specifically on how the program is working
for low-income seniors.
Sen. Smith requested that officials from the Centers for Medicare
and Medicaid Services (CMS) explore administrative measures that could
alleviate the current situation for dual-eligible residents in home-
and community-based settings until Congress can pass necessary
legislation. CMS officials say they are limited in what they can do but
agree the program needs to be aligned so that residents in home- and
community-based settings are not forced to enter nursing homes as a
result of the current co-payment inequity.
ALFA continues to work with members of Congress, their staff, and
key congressional committees for passage of legislation that eliminates
Medicare Part D co-payments for residents in assisted living and other
home- and community-based settings. ALFA will also continue to
coordinate grassroots advocacy efforts with its members and ALFA State
Affiliates.
Senate Aging Committee Announces 2007 Priorities
The Senate Select Committee on Aging today announced some of its
legislative priorities for 2007. In a hearing dedicated to exploring
the new Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Program and its impact on
low-income seniors, Chairman Herb Kohl (D-WI) announced his intention
for the committee to consider issues that include affordable health
care for seniors, nursing home oversight, older Americans in the
workplace, adequate retirement preparation, as well as issues related
to the new Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Program. Sen. Gordon Smith
announced his interest in exploring ways to eliminate barriers to the
Medicare Part D Low Income Subsidy (LIS) and address the estimated 3
million seniors who are eligible for the LIS but have not applied. Sen.
Smith also announced legislation he is sponsoring with Sen. Jeff
Bingaman (D-NM) that will reform the Medicare Part D Program asset
test, remove unnecessary burdens, and simplify the application process.
