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Medicare Extension of Drugs to Seniors (MEDS) Act of 2003

Introduced: June 17, 2003 Introduced by: Sanders, Bernard Independent · Vermont See on congress.gov
This bill died when the 108th Congress ended
It never became law before the 108th Congress (2003–2004) adjourned, and bills don't carry over to the next Congress. It would have to be reintroduced. You can still save it for reference, but it won't receive updates.
 Everywhere this bill has been 4 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Jul 2, 2003
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
Jul 1, 2003
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
Jun 17, 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.
Jun 17, 2003
Introduced in House
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 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Medicare Extension of Drugs to Seniors (MEDS) Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to add a new part D (Prescription Medicine Benefit for the Aged and Disabled) establishing a voluntary insurance program to provide prescription medicine benefits, including pharmacy services, for eligible individuals (including low-income individuals) who are aged or disabled or have end-stage renal disease, and who elect to enroll during a prescribed period. Provides that the program shall be financed from monthly premium payments by enrollees together with Federal appropriations. Creates the Prescription Medicine Insurance Account within the Federal Supplemental Medical Insurance Trust Fund. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop and implement an Employer Incentive Program that encourages employers to provide adequate prescription medicine benefits to retired individuals and maintain such existing benefit programs.

Outlines provisions for substantial reductions in the price of prescription drugs for Medicare beneficiaries.

Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, as amended by the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2001, with respect to the importation of certain prescription drugs, to revise testing requirements (granting the Secretary certain waiver discretion), and add approved labeling requirements.

Requires the recipient of a patent to make a reasonable pricing agreement with the Secretary (or the Secretary to waive such an agreement in the public interest) if any Federal agency or any non-profit entity: (1) undertakes federally funded health care research and development; and (2) is to convey or provide a patent or other exclusive right to use such research and development for a drug or other health care technology.

What's happening now July 2, 2003

Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

 Bill text 1 version

Source documents hosted by congress.gov.

 Committees of jurisdiction 4
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APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). H.R. 2498: Medicare Extension of Drugs to Seniors (MEDS) Act of 2003. 108th Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/108-HR-2498/
MLA
"H.R. 2498: Medicare Extension of Drugs to Seniors (MEDS) Act of 2003." 108th Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/108-HR-2498/.
Bluebook (legal)
H.R. 2498, 108th Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/108-HR-2498/.
Markdown link
[H.R. 2498: Medicare Extension of Drugs to Seniors (MEDS) Act of 2003](https://openamerica.io/bill/108-HR-2498/)
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