Reps. Courtney, Murphy Deliver on Promise to Improve Medicare Part D for Connecticut Seniors

Press Release

Connecticut Congressmen Chris Murphy (CT-05) and Joe Courtney (CT-02) welcomed passage of H.R. 3162, the Children's Health and Medicare Protection Act (CHAMP Act), which reauthorizes the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), more commonly referred to as HUSKY in the State of Connecticut, and includes important improvements to the Medicare Part D program.

The changes to the Medicare Part D program passed last night emulate, and in some cases mirror, provisions in H.R. 2056, Medicare Part D Improvement Act of 2007, which was introduced by Congressmen Courtney and Murphy in May.

"I am pleased that Congress has once again made senior citizens' needs a priority and will finally provide to them the protection they so richly deserve," stated Congressman Joe Courtney. "Passage of the CHAMP Act is great news for Connecticut's senior citizens who have been waiting patiently for an improved prescription drug program and protection from late penalties and gaps in coverage."

"From day one, this Congress has been working to improve the Medicare Part D program. First, we voted to give the government the ability to negotiate for lower drug prices. But Joe and I wanted to do more for seniors in Connecticut and across the country. I was thrilled at the response we got in Connecticut and in the halls of Congress after introducing our Part D improvement legislation. This week, we took a huge step in making the Medicare Part D program work for seniors," said Murphy.

Four provisions of Congressmen Chris Murphy's and Joe Courtney's Medicare Part D legislation have been incorporated into the CHAMP Act.

• Closing the Donut Hole. Section 221 of the CHAMP Act will help limit patients' out-of-pocket costs incurred while in the infamous "donut hole" coverage gap by allowing payments from AIDS Drug Assistance Programs and Indian Health services to count towards filling the gap.

• Helping Seniors Deal with Changing Formularies. Currently, individuals can only change plans during the annual enrollment period even though plans may change their formularies at will. Section 222 of the CHAMP Act would allow an individual the freedom to change plans mid-year if a formulary change has a negative impact.

• Improving the Asset Test. The CHAMP Act will significantly improve the asset test for the low-income subsidy, and will allow for renewal for assistance without having to reapply.

• Eliminating the Late Enrollment Penalty. The CHAMP Act eliminates the Medicare Part D late enrollment penalties for low-income, subsidy-eligible participants.

The CHAMP Act will benefit children and families.

• The CHAMP Act reauthorizes the State Children's Health Insurance Program, which expires on September 30, 2007.

• With passage of the CHAMP Act, roughly 5 million low-income children who are currently eligible for Medicaid or SCHIP but are not yet enrolled in the programs will receive health care and coverage.

• The bill also provides enough funding so states will no longer have shortfalls. States will be able to help the children who need help the most.

• The CHAMP Act provides dental coverage and requires parity for mental health coverage.

• States will be better able to care for and cover pregnant women and older children (up to 25 years of age), as well as legal immigrant children and legal immigrant pregnant women.

"Healthcare for kids should be something everyone in Washington can agree on. In Connecticut, we have a fantastic program - HUSKY - which provides for our neediest kids. But more children, in Connecticut and across the country, need healthcare coverage. The passage of this bill is a serious commitment from the federal government that I hope the President can honor," said Murphy.

"Connecticut's children must have access to comprehensive health care coverage," stated Congressman Joe Courtney. "It is far more affordable and moral to provide children preventive, primary and acute healthcare now than emergency room treatment for uninsured children later. In this case, the State of Connecticut will benefit from passage of the CHAMP Act, but the greatest beneficiaries will be children and their families."

The CHAMP Act has been endorsed by AARP, American Medical Association, American Academy of Pediatrics and the Center for Medicare Advocacy, which is headquartered in Willimantic, Connecticut.

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