On the Issues
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MEDICARE 
As part of the Social Security Amendments of 1965, Congress established two health care financing programs - Medicare and Medicaid. Medicare is a federal health insurance program for our nation's elderly and disabled persons. Medicaid is a medical assistance program for certain needy individuals. As a strong proponent of the Medicare program, Senator Levin is aware of the need to improve and preserve Medicare for the 21st century. In its current structure, the Medicare program is antiquated and needs to be modernized as Americans' life expectancy continues to grow. There are 75 million baby boomers in the United States and Medicare will not be able to handle the increased number of beneficiaries in the next decade. America's seniors are confused and angry. Medicare beneficiaries are waiting in long lines and pharmacists are forced to make critical decisions to make up for Medicare's deficiencies. The Medicare prescription drug benefit needs improvement. Medicare should have the authority to negotiate with pharmaceutical companies to reduce the cost of prescription drugs to Medicare beneficiaries. That is why Senator Levin introduced the Medicare Part D Reform Act (S.2240) in the 109th Congress. This legislation was designed to correct many of the problems our seniors are experiencing. Due to continued pressure from the American public and Congress, the administration made a number of changes contained in S.2240. Senator Levin is hopeful that the Senate will soon act on the Medicare Prescription Drug Price Negotiation Act (H.R.4), which the House of Representatives passed on January 12, 2007, by a vote of 255-170. If you are experiencing a problem with Medicare, please see Senator Levin's Medicare casework page. |
Combating Drug Addiction
Addiction to drugs is a dreadful plague on our society, and the goal of ridding society of the scourge of illegal drugs is worthy of our best efforts. more >
Medicare
Congress has a unique opportunity to improve and modernize the Medicare program. more >
Prescription Drugs
While prescription drugs hold the promise of healthier lives for the American people, the high cost of those drugs puts them out of the reach of too many. more >
Reproductive Rights
While people of good will often have difficulty finding common ground on the issue of reproductive rights, Senator Levin respects the deeply held beliefs of those on both sides of the debate. more >
LEGISLATION
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