S.Amdt. 1048

SA 1048. Mr. LEVIN submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill S. 1, to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to make improvements in the medicare program, to provide prescription drug coverage under the medicare program, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

On page 79, between line 22 and 23, insert the following:

“(F) Permanent fallback in certain areas.--

“(i) In general.--Notwithstanding paragraph (1), in the case of an applicable area, the Administrator shall enter into a contract under paragraph (1)(B) with respect to the area for each year after the year in which the area meets the definition of an applicable area. Eligible beneficiaries residing in such area may elect to receive standard prescription drug coverage (including access to negotiated prices for such beneficiaries pursuant to section 1860D-6(e)) under such contract in a year regardless of whether the access required under subsection (d)(1) is going to be provided in the area in that year.

“(ii) Applicable area.--For purposes of this subparagraph, the term ‘applicable area' means an area--

“(I) that was designated under paragraph (1)(B) for a year;

“(II) in which the access required under subsection (d)(1) was met with respect to a year subsequent to the year described in subclause (I); and

“(III) that was designated under paragraph (1)(B) for a year subsequent to the year described in subclause (II).