THE MAPRx COALITION CELEBRATES 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF MEDICARE PART D
Letter to Congress applauds Medicare coverage of drugs, new report highlights economic impact
WASHINGTON, D.C., December 3, 2013 – The Medicare Access for Patients Rx Coalition (MAPRx) today distributed a letter and a report to Congress signed by 53 national advocacy organizations thanking members for delivering on the promise of a robust outpatient prescription drug program – Medicare Part D. Marking the 10th anniversary of passage of the law establishing Part D, the letter urged Congress to build on the successes of the program and to build for the future.
In addition to the letter, MAPRx released “Medicare Part D: Saving Money and Improving Health,” a report highlighting the positive economic impact of the Medicare Part D Program.
Ten years ago, President George W. Bush signed into law the Medicare Modernization Act establishing the Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Program. Part D provided prescription drug coverage to Medicare beneficiaries for the first time. The MAPRx Coalition was formed in response to the new program, and today brings together more than 45 national patient, family, caregiver and health professional organizations committed to protecting the health and well-being of individuals with chronic diseases and disabilities by improving access to affordable prescription drugs through Part D.
“Millions of Americans, including those with chronic and rare diseases and disabilities, have come to rely on Medicare Part D for necessary and life-saving drugs,” stated Bonnie Hogue Duffy, Convener MAPRx Coalition. “Part D is a success story. But there is room for improvement, and MAPRx continues to work with members of Congress to ensure a strong program for the future.”
Access to prescription drugs saves lives and improves health. Congress should preserve and enhance the Medicare Part D Drug Program for all beneficiaries. MAPRx urged in its letter to Congress to improve weaknesses within the program, such as specialty tiers, that prevent beneficiaries from taking full advantage of the benefits of prescription drugs. Furthermore in the coming months, as Congress addresses our nation’s fiscal challenges, MAPRx asks that Congress carefully consider the impact on beneficiaries of any changes to the Part D program.
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