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A MEMORIAL
REQUESTING THAT MEMBERS OF THE NEW MEXICO CONGRESSIONAL
DELEGATION SUPPORT CHANGES TO THE MEDICARE, PART D PROGRAM.
WHEREAS, the medicare, part D program is proving to be
one of the most complicated programs ever created with
significant and serious implementation problems; and
WHEREAS, the benefits promised to senior citizens are
not being realized because the program is so difficult to
understand; and
WHEREAS, a dire need exists to revise the program so
that the program can provide the promised benefits;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE
STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the members of the New Mexico
congressional delegation be requested to support the
following changes to the medicare, part D program:
A. elimination of the penalty for all medicare-
eligible individuals who do not enroll by May 15, 2006;
B. inclusion of a requirement that the
prescription drug plans drop coverage of drugs on their
formularies only after one year advance notice to coincide
with the annual open enrollment period, except that drugs
that have been determined to be dangerous or removed from the
market may be dropped as necessary;
C. standardization of the formulary design so that
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SM 8
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each plan has the same number of tiers and requirements for
coverage;
D. modification of the requirements about what can
be counted toward a medicare beneficiary's true out-of-pocket
cost to include all prescription drugs purchased on behalf of
the beneficiary regardless of where the drugs have been
purchased; whether the drugs have been purchased through a
state pharmacy program or with a discount drug card; or
whether the drug is on the formulary of the beneficiary's
plan;
E. assurance of transparency so that states know
the cost negotiated by the prescription drug plan to ensure
that all negotiated rebates are passed through to the
beneficiaries; and
F. institution of price negotiation for the
purchase of prescription drugs for the medicare program,
similar to the provisions already in place under medicaid and
the veterans' administration; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be
transmitted to each member of the New Mexico congressional
delegation.