Denny Rehberg: “I am proud of the Medicare prescription drug legislation we passed not long ago that will give more seniors more access…”

“I am proud of the Medicare prescription drug legislation we passed not long ago that will give more seniors more access to prescription drugs at lower costs. Sadly, a lot of seniors have not gotten the word yet. They have not heard that Medicare will now give seniors choice and control over their prescription drug plans. They have not heard that Medicare will now pay 75 percent of drug costs and 95 percent of catastrophic drug costs. They have not heard that those who choose to enroll in the prescription drug program will receive discount cards this spring entitling them to save up to 25 percent off the cost of their medications. In fact, by 2006, seniors who have elected to sign up for their new prescription benefit will pay a monthly premium of as little as $35. On top of that, low-income seniors will receive a $600 cash subsidy to defray the costs of their medications. Plus, those with incomes below the Federal poverty level will see their drug bills virtually eliminated. Their deductible and monthly premiums will be waived, and their copays will be as little as $1 per prescription. Groups like AARP, the American Medical Association, and the American Hospital Association agree, we have given seniors the right prescription to better health.”