Medicare Part D was created through the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act (MMA) of 2003 and implemented in 2006 to address a major Medicare gap: the lack of broad outpatient prescription drug coverage, making the program a cornerstone of Medicare and prescription drug access. For 20 years, Medicare Part D has expanded access to prescription drug coverage for millions of Americans. Today, more than 56.1 million beneficiaries rely on the program.
Founded in 2005 after Part D was created, Medicare Access for Patients Rx (MAPRx) is a coalition of more than 75 national patient, family caregiver, and health professional organizations committed to safeguarding the well-being of people with chronic diseases and disabilities who rely on Medicare’s prescription drug coverage.
MAPRx has released a new paper, Protecting the Promise of Part D: Coverage, Choice, and Affordability at 20 Years, looking at the foundation of the Medicare Part D program and how future efforts should continue building on the transformative promise established in 2006.