Medicare

Last updated: 8/20/07

(from 2007 Legislative Agenda)

Health Links

Key Disabilitiy Improvements in the CHAMP Act (August 2007) – PDF Medicare/aid Fact Sheet – PDF The Impact of Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Coverage on Dual Eligibles (individuals eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare)– PDF The Impact of the New Medicare Drug Law on Individuals eligible for Medicaid through the Spend Down Rule– PDF The Impact of Medicare Part D drug coverage on dual eligible children receiving EPSDT– PDF Note: One or more documents on this page may require Acrobat Reader.

In order to ensure that the Medicare program provides individuals with disabilities of all ages access to the health care services they need, the First Session of the 110th Congress should:

• Enact legislation to ensure that drug plans participating in the Medicare prescription drug program are required to have drug formularies that meet the needs of individuals with disabilities. This should include formulary exceptions, emergency dosing, and expedited appeals.
  
• Amend the Medicare Modernization Act to ensure that individuals with disabilities can easily appeal decisions and access hearings in their communities.
  
• Enact legislation that removes the two-year Medicare waiting period for individuals with disabilities, and revise the “in-the-home” definition to ensure access to needed durable medical equipment and assistive technology in the least-restrictive setting.