3264.0: Monday, November 8, 2004: 2:30 PM-4:00 PM |
Panel Discussion |
The Future of Medicare: Impact of the 2004 Medicare Modernization Act |
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| The Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 is the largest expansion and change to the Medicare program since its inception. The law is complex and controversial. The new discount cards and a $600 subsidy for many low-income beneficiaries have begun in June 2004 and the full benefit will be available in January 2006.
The role of social insurance programs, especially Medicare, is integral to ensuring the security for our nation's senior citizens and other populations who rely on this important program, particularly women and minorities. As the new Medicare law passed and the first program – the Prescription Drug Discount Card Program – has been implemented, it will be important to understand how the program is being implemented, what are the pros and cons, and efforts made for improving the new law. It is essential to clarify how the drug discount card program is a metaphor for the new Part D drug benefit.
The session will focus on the importance of Medicare for seniors. There will be a recap of the new Medicare law and the political climate for making changes to the new Medicare law. The session will emphasize the implications of reform and National Committee’s policy recommendations that could reinforce the security of Medicare, which is a vital program to millions of seniors and many vulnerable populations.
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| Learning Objectives: Refer to the individual abstracts for learning objectives |
| Panelist(s): | Barbara Kennelly, President |
| Moderator(s): | Barbara Kennelly, President |
| 2:30 PM | | Medicare Reform after the Prescription Drug Bill-What's Next?
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| See individual abstracts for presenting author's disclosure statement and author's information. |
| Organized by: | Gerontological Health |
| Endorsed by: | Socialist Caucus |
| CE Credits: | Nursing |
