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Medicare Rx Now Act of 2003

Introduced: April 2, 2003 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
Apr 10, 2003
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
Apr 9, 2003
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
Apr 2, 2003
Introduced in House
Apr 2, 2003
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service
Medicare Rx Now Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to provide for outpatient prescription drug coverage under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance), along with an annual deductible, adjusted for inflation, with a three-tiered copayment structure (with reduced copayments for generic drugs). Allows for high-deductible outpatient prescription drug coverage under such new program with the provision of benefits through Medicare approved prescription drug plans, including a Medicare+Choice plan under Medicare+Choice (Medicare part C). Directs the Secretary to solicit bids from entities to offer prescription drug discount card plans to individuals enrolled under part B as long as the entity offering a prescription drug discount card plan does not offer benefits to designees of the plan in addition to high-deductible prescription drug coverage, access to negotiated prices, and other required benefits under this Act. Outlines benefits for low-income beneficiaries, including eligibility for low-income subsidies under the Medicaid program (SSA title XIX).

Provides for changes under Medicaid with respect to the enrollment process, including providing for automatic reenrollment without need to reapply.

What's happening now April 10, 2003

Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

 Committees of jurisdiction 4
 Cosponsors 6
All 6 Democratic 6