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This week the U.S. Congress is debating prescription drug legislation that does not provide seniors the coverage they need, and which could mark the end of Medicare as we know it. Take action NOW to let your elected leaders in Washington know that seniors deserve more than a discount card and a promise:  we need a guaranteed prescription drug benefit under Medicare that is affordable, universal, comprehensive and voluntary.   We need legislation that addresses the real problem with prescription drugs: skyrocketing costs, which put life-saving drugs out of reach for millions of seniors and their families.  Here’s what’s going on, and what you can do to help stop this fast-moving legislative effort to privatize Medicare:

In the House, the proposed Prescription Drug and Modernization Act (H.R.1) is significantly worse than the Prescription Drug and Medicare Improvement Act (S.1), going even further toward privatizing Medicare. The prescription drug benefit, such as it is, would be run by HMOs and the private insurance industry, not Medicare:  seniors will NOT have the option of selecting a prescription drug benefit under traditional Medicare coverage.  Out-of-pocket costs would rise astronomically for the sickest and most disabled seniors, and by 2010, Medicare would essentially be converted into a voucher program. The Prescription Drug and Modernization Act (H.R.1) introduces means-testing into Medicare, undermining the universal character of Medicare.  Like the Senate bill, the Prescription Drug and Modernization Act (H.R. 1) is structured so that employers would have no incentive to continue providing prescription drug coverage to their retirees, jeopardizing millions of retirees who are currently covered by employer health plans.  And, there’s a huge gap in coverage, the proverbial donut, which means that seniors would be forced to pay high premiums even when they don’t receive benefits. The House is planning to vote on H.R.1 during the week of June 23, 2003.  Please call your member of Congress TODAY and ask him or her to oppose the Prescription Drug and Modernization Act (H.R. 1). Seniors deserve a guaranteed prescription drug benefit under Medicare that is affordable, universal, comprehensive and voluntary.

Here’s how to contact your Representative:

By toll-free phone:  The AFL-CIO has provided this number to contact your elected leaders.  Call 1-877-331-2000 to reach the U.S. Capitol switchboard operator and ask for your Representative by name;  you’ll be connected to their respective offices.