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Dear Mr. Jenkins:

Thank you for taking the time to contact me regarding the Prescription Drug and Medicare Improvement Act. It's always good to hear from people back home and I apologize for the delay in my response.

I appreciate hearing your comments regarding the Prescription Drug and Medicare Improvement Act of 2003 (S. 1). I too share your concerns about employers dropping retiree health plans.

I wish we could make it possible that every employer would for sure retain the same good coverage they offer today under our new drug benefit. But anytime you introduce a federal program of this size, it will have ripple effects. Unfortunately, there is no way to pass a low banning employers from dropping their coverage.

S. 1 does however include several provisions which would encourage employers to retain their retiree health plans. Employers can wrap their existing benefits around the Medicare benefit, meaning that Medicare pays first leaving employers responsible only for the remaining cost. Employers could also pay retirees' premiums under traditional Medicare instead of offering a separate plan. Finally, they may offer a Medicare Advantage plan of their own, which allows them to share the cost of care with the government.

Additionally, in drafting the bill, I recognized that no one company offers the same plan to all its workers, and that giving plans more options when it came to the new drug benefit would be essential. I'm glad that as a result, several employer groups whose members provide comprehensive health benefits to retirees today support this bill.

As Chairman of the Finance Committee, I have looked long and hard at many of our options and I believe the Prescription Drug and Medicare Improvement Act of 2003 would truly benefit Iowa seniors, as well as seniors across the country. As this legislation enters into negotiations between the House and the Senate, I will keep in mind the concerns of all Iowans.

Thanks again for contact me. I appreciate hearing your views and urge you to keep in touch.

Sincerely,

Charles E. Grassley
United States Senator

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