To ensure that a prescription drug benefit is available to all medicare beneficiaries on an equal basis, including those who choose to remain in the current fee-for-service program.

1. Inserts “on an equal basis with respect to benefit level regardless of whether such beneficiaries…” after “prescription drugs”

   InsertsPage 61, line 12Printed page

   In S.Con.Res. 23 · Placed on Calendar Senate

   SEC. 213. RESERVE FUND FOR MEDICARE.

   If the Committee on Finance of the Senate reports a bill or joint resolution, or an amendment is offered thereto, or a conference report thereon is submitted, which strengthens and enhances the Medicare Program under title XVIII of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq.) and improves the access of beneficiaries under that program to prescription drugs [inserted: on an equal basis with respect to benefit level regardless of whether such beneficiaries remain in the traditional medicare fee-for-service program under parts A and B of such title ]or [inserted: enroll in a private plan under the medicare program or ]promotes geographic equity payments, the chairman of the Committee on the Budget, may revise committee allocations for that committee and other appropriate budgetary aggregates and allocations of new budget authority (and the outlays resulting therefrom) in this resolution by the amount provided by that measure for that purpose, but not to exceed $400,000,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2004 through 2013.

   SEC. 214. RESERVE FUND FOR HEALTH INSURANCE FOR THE UNINSURED.

   Original wording

   On page 61, line 12, insert “on an equal basis with respect to benefit level regardless of whether such beneficiaries remain in the traditional medicare fee-for-service program under parts A and B of such title or enroll in a private plan under the medicare program” after “prescription drugs”.

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As printed