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Seniors Prescription Insurance Coverage Equity (SPICE) Act of 2001

Introduced: July 17, 2001 Introduced by: Wyden, Ron Democratic · Oregon See on congress.gov
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 Everywhere this bill has been 4 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Jul 17, 2001
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (text of measure as introduced: CR S7809-7818)
Jul 17, 2001
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S7809)
Jul 17, 2001
Introduced in Senate
Jul 16, 2001
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S7718-7719)
 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service
Seniors Prescription Insurance Coverage Equity (SPICE) Act of 2001 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to establish a voluntary Seniors Prescription Insurance Coverage Equity (SPICE) program. Establishes the Seniors Prescription Insurance Coverage Equity Office in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), to be administered by a Board, under which all eligible Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in the SPICE program shall be entitled to obtain SPICE prescription drug coverage. Provides for financial assistance to enable Medicare beneficiaries to obtain enrollment coverage, with such assistance varying depending upon beneficiary income. Creates the SPICE Prescription Drug Account in the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund to pay for SPICE benefits.

Directs the SPICE Board to develop an Employer Incentive Program to encourage employers to provide adequate prescription drug benefits to retired individuals.

Outlines rules for the offering of SPICE coverage under Medicare+Choice plans under SSA title XVIII part C.

Provides for SPICE Medigap (Medicare Supplemental) policies.

Directs the HHS Secretary to contract with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners to assess the practicality and viability of establishing a Medigap policy that only provides SPICE coverage.

Directs the SPICE Board to conduct a demonstration project to increase the use of Personal Digital Access Technology in prescribing covered outpatient drugs for eligible Medicare beneficiaries receiving SPICE coverage.

What's happening now July 17, 2001

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (text of measure as introduced: CR S7809-7818)

 Committees of jurisdiction 1