Wyden, Hatch Welcome CMS Decision to Rollback Changes to Medicare Prescription Drug Program

Statement

Today, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Ranking Member Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, welcomed the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Marilyn Tavenner decision to rollback its plans to overhaul the Medicare prescription drug program.

"This is good news and shows that the administration shares our concerns about potential disruptions for seniors enrolled in the Medicare prescription drug program," Wyden said. "By safeguarding beneficiary protections and choice, the guarantee that seniors' drug coverage is accessible, comprehensive and affordable remains in place. I am also pleased by the acknowledgement of the need to reengage with seniors, insurers and other stakeholders before any policy changes."

"After Republicans and Democrats raised significant concerns, the Obama Administration did the right thing by undoing the majority of what it proposed to the highly successful Medicare Part D program," said Hatch. "The next step is revisiting the severe cuts to the Medicare Advantage program, which undermine quality health care delivered through the private market to millions on seniors on Medicare. I hope the Administration continues to walk away from policies it has previously supported that undercut successful programs that help seniors lead healthier lives."

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