COLLINS ENDORSES MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION DRUG LEGISLATION

WASHINGTON, DC -- The US Senate today began debate on historic Medicare modernization legislation that will provide a prescription drug benefit to America's seniors. Senator Collins, who serves on the Senate Special Committee on Aging, addressed the Senate about the importance of providing a prescription drug benefit as permanent part of Medicare. "It is critical that all seniors and people with disabilities who receive Medicare finally have affordable, comprehensive drug coverage," Senator Collins said in a speech earlier today.

"We now have an unprecedented opportunity to make the improvements necessary to ensure that Medicare can provide peace of mind and true health security for 40 million older Americans today and many more millions of Americans in the future," said Senator Collins.

Senator Collins explained that monthly drug bills of $300 to $400 are not uncommon for older Mainers living on limited incomes. "More and more, I am hearing disturbing accounts of older Americans who are running up high, high-interest credit card bills to buy medicine they otherwise could not afford. Even more alarming are the accounts of patients who are either skipping doses to stretch out their pill supplies or forced to choose between paying bills or buying the pills that keep them healthy," she said.

The legislation under considered by the US Senate is the "Prescription Drug and Medicare Improvement Act." It creates a permanent prescription drug benefit for those who qualify for Medicare, beginning in 2006 and provides for an interim discount drug card until the drug benefit is fully implemented.

The bill calls for additional assistance for low-income seniors who are not able to meet a $35 monthly premium or a $275 deductible. "There are 60,000 Mainers with incomes below 135 percent of poverty who will not have to pay any premium to secure coverage," Senator Collins explained."

The Senate is expected to complete this legislation before July 4th.