Immediate Helping Hand Prescription Drug Assistance Act of 2002
Last action on Jun 27, 2002Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H4291-4292)
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Summary
Immediate Helping Hand Prescription Drug Assistance Act of 2002 - Amends the Social Security Act (SSA) to establish an outpatient prescription drug assistance entitlement program for low-income Medicare (SSA title XVIII ) beneficiaries under a new title XXII (Outpatient Prescription Drug Assistance Program). Allows States, in lieu of using the funding provided under this new title, to provide assistance to such beneficiaries through a State plan under SSA title XIX (Medicaid) or through Medicare part C (Medicare+Choice).
Amends SSA title XIX to provide for expanded coverage of low-income Medicare beneficiaries under Medicaid.
Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for: (1) coverage of low-income Medicare beneficiaries in Medicare+Choice; and (2) low-income Medicare beneficiaries to elect to suspend Medicare supplemental (Medigap) insurance.
