Darrell Issa: “I support this bipartisan, Republican-led, legendary, historic event that we are participating in here today. Mr.…”

“I support this bipartisan, Republican-led, legendary, historic event that we are participating in here today. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to comment Chairman Thomas, Chairman Tauzin, and the House Republican leadership for their work on H.R. 1. This landmark legislation will provide America's seniors with a lifetime prescription drug benefit through Medicare. This new benefit will mean permanent prescription drug access, lower drug costs and a limit on catastrophic drug expenses for all beneficiaries. I am especially pleased to see that this bill enacts meaningful Medicare reforms that specifically affect California and my constituents in the 49th Congressional District. H.R. 1 includes language that allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to designate plans that serve special needs beneficiaries as Specialized Medicare Advantage plans. This provision enhances the development of more effective approaches to chronic illness care by providing an opportunity for additional frail elderly demonstrations to move into mainstream Medicare. One example of this type of demonstration is the SCAN program, which currently serves over 50,000 Southern Californians--including 10,000 who live inside the 49th Congressional District.”