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Overview

Welcome to the Medicare Modernization Update section page.  On December 8, 2003, President Bush signed into law the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (Pub. L. 108-173).  This landmark legislation provides seniors and individuals with disabilities with a prescription drug benefit, more choices, and better benefits under Medicare.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has created this update to provide the public and other interested parties with up-to-date information on CMS' efforts to implement the new legislation.  This update will be published monthly.  It will contain information on what CMS accomplished in the past month as well as major activities scheduled for the coming month, such as key implementation dates and regulations being published.

Mark B. McClellan, M.D., Ph.D., Administrator

"With the Medicare Act of 2003, our government is finally bringing prescription drug coverage to the seniors of America.  With this law, we're giving older Americans better choices and more control over their health care, so they can receive the modern medical care they deserve...Our nation has the best health care system in the world. And we want our seniors to share in the benefits of that system.  Our nation has made a promise, a solemn promise to America's seniors.  We have pledged to help our citizens find affordable medical care in the later years of life.  Lyndon Johnson established that commitment by signing the Medicare Act of 1965.  And today, by reforming and modernizing this vital program, we are honoring the commitments of Medicare to all our seniors."      

President George W. Bush, White House Press Release, 12/08/2003

Downloads

Summary of the Provisions of PL 108-173 [PDF, 1.56 MB]
H.R. 1 (pdf, 1.1 mb)
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White House Press Release, 12/08/2003

Page Last Modified: 12/14/2005 12:00:00 AM
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