Todd supported the historic Medicare Prescription Drug and Modernization Act, passed by Congress in December 2003. It was important to him that Congress provided immediate relief to low income seniors who simply cannot afford any drug coverage. At the end of the enrollment period in May 2006, 38.2 million seniors had enrolled in the program, with an average savings of $1100 per senior citizen.

Unfortunately, many seniors had been forced to choose between food and medicine. This bill provided resources to reach those in need, and it has helped seniors obtain life saving prescription drugs. The legislation includes a voluntary prescription drug benefit for Medicare beneficiaries. The voluntary program guaranteed that seniors were given the ability to choose the plan most suitable for their own needs, and went into effect in May 2006.

Prescription drug coverage for seniors has consistently ranked high on the list of issues important to Kansans. As Todd works to defeat terrorism and bolster the economy, it is important that he hear from his constituents about issues important to you. This issue has remained important to Kansas seniors, and the Center for Medicare Services has been proactive in getting information to seniors on these plans and Todd will continue to work hard to ensure rapid response and clear information as the prescription drug benefit is implemented.

Todd is grateful that his father received the open heart surgery he recently needed because of the high quality health care system in America. Instead of a preventative medication that could have cost $1,000, a surgery was needed that cost over $100,000. By focusing on preventative health care, this program will lower long term health care costs and improve health.

Please visit the CMS website for further information.