March 3, 2005

Seeks to avoid gap in coverage for America’s poor and needy under Medicare law

Washington, DC – Senator Gordon Smith and a bipartisan group of senators have introduced the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act which expands the number of stem cell lines that are eligible for federally funded research. The bill aims to accelerate the scientific progress toward cures and treatments for chronic diseases and debilitating health conditions.

Washington, DC – Chairman Gordon Smith (R-OR) today conducted the third hearing of the Senate Aging Committee in the 109th Congress, focusing on the effects of the Medicare Modernization Act (MMA) on dual eligibles, the 6.3 million Americans who qualify for full benefits under both Medicare and Medicaid.

“We need to thoroughly examine the Medicare law’s effects so our poorest and neediest recipients don’t get hurt by the changes,” said Smith. “We will do everything possible to ensure our most at-risk beneficiaries will not suffer when the new law takes effect next year.”

Today’s hearing was held to gauge the effectiveness of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) procedures regarding the transition of dual eligibles into the Medicare prescription drug plan. Chairman Smith called the hearing in order to determine whether existing law is sufficient to allow a smooth transition and continuation of coverage when the prescription drug benefit of the MMA becomes effective on January 1, 2006.

CMS Administrator Dr. Mark McClellan discussed the rationale behind his agency’s regulations and addressed the committee’s concerns about whether they contain adequate safeguards to ensure beneficiaries will not be subject to unforeseen gaps in coverage.

In addition to Administrator McClellan, the committee heard testimony and received recommendations from a panel of experts with experience in the treatment of dual eligibles, in order to gain a better understanding of their specific needs as they relate to the MMA.

Today’s expert panel included Dr. Tina Kitchin, Medical Director, Oregon Department of Human Services; Dr. Carl Clark, CEO, Mental Health Center of Denver; and Wendy Gerlach, Director of Pharmacy Operations, Roeschen’s Omnicare Pharmacy (WI).

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