Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. press release, June 19, 2002

NEWS FROM Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Second Congressional District of Maryland 1 407 York Rood, Suita 304 ЫЬиуШ», Morylood 21093 3 1 5 Cannon Ноим Office Building Workington, D.C 20515 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Henry Fawell Wednesday, June 19,2002 202/225-3061 Congressman Ehrlich Backs Groundbreaking Prescription Drug Plan Historic Bill Covers Physical Exams for Seniors WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Bob Ehrlich (MD-2) backed a groundbreaking $350 billion Medicare reform bill today that provides a lifetime prescription drug benefit plan for senior citizens. The Republican-sponsored legislation ensures that Maryland’s 600,000 seniors will pay far less money for the medication they need to lead healthy lives. Congressman Ehrlich stated, “This bill delivers on a promise made years ago - a promise to help moms, dads and grandparents who rely on affordable prescription drugs. With a bipartisan effort, we can make prescription drugs available and affordable to all of America’s seniors.” The Medicare Modernization and Prescription Drug Act was introduced today in the House Energy and Commerce Committee, of which Congressman Ehrlich is a member. The committee will consider the legislation throughout the week before submitting it for consideration by the entire House of Representatives. Under the Republican plan, drug costs for seniors would be reduced by about one-third. The federal government would pay for 80 percent of the first $1,000 of drug costs and for 50 percent of the next $1,000. The plan also picks up the full tab for drug costs beyond $3,800 annually. In addition, this is the first proposal offered by either party in Congress that would pay for a senior citizen’s full physical examination. This legislation enjoys support from physicians and seniors groups, including the American Medical Association, the American Physical Therapy Association, and The Seniors Coalition.