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Ryan Discusses Details, Answers Questions About New Medicare Prescription Drug Law

First District Congressman Paul Ryan today held town hall meetings in Janesville, Oak Creek, and the Kenosha area (UW-Parkside) to share details of the new Medicare prescription drug law and answer questions about how it will impact area residents.  U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Tommy Thompson participated in the meeting at UW-Parkside to provide expertise and information about this extensive upgrade to the Medicare system. 

Ryan discussed how the legislation will help seniors save on their medications by making a Medicare-endorsed prescription drug discount card available for the next two years (before the drug benefit begins in 2006) and by giving all seniors the option of prescription drug coverage starting in 2006.

He also talked about how the new law will modernize benefits through new coverage for certain preventative care and by giving seniors more choices so they can select the plan that best meets their needs – including traditional fee-for-service.  This kind of competition helps improve Medicare for the long run and extend the program’s solvency, as do the new Health Savings Accounts that will be available to every American under the Medicare law.  In addition, Ryan discussed how Wisconsin health care providers and hospitals will benefit from improved reimbursement rates under the plan.       

“This law is complex, but when you get into the details, there’s a lot that will help Wisconsinites,” Ryan said.  “It modernizes benefits so Medicare can continue helping seniors lead longer, healthier lives.  It makes Medicare fairer for Wisconsin.  It promotes competition to extend the program’s solvency, and it includes incentives to encourage employers to keep providing health benefits to retired workers.  On top of this, it enables Americans of all ages to set aside tax-free savings for health expenses through Health Savings Accounts.”

Ryan encouraged people to stay in contact by writing, calling, or e-mailing if they have concerns or questions as the new law takes effect.  Constituents can send letters to 20 S. Main St, Suite 10, Janesville, WI  53545 or fax them to: 202-225-3393.  Constituents may also call toll-free: 1-888-909-7926 or send e-mail via the website.

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