S.Amdt. 1050

SA 1050. 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 for certain beneficiaries.--

“(i) In general.--Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the Administrator shall enter into a contract under paragraph (1)(B) for each area for each year. Applicable 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. Other eligible beneficiaries residing in such area may elect to receive such coverage under such contract only if the area has been designated under paragraph (1)(B) for the year.

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

“(I) is enrolled under this part;

“(II) was covered under a group health plan; and

“(III) involuntarily lost such coverage such that the beneficiary was eligible for a special open enrollment period under section 1860D-2(b)(3).