THE MEDICARE DRUG BILL “DEAL” WILL SLASH DRUG COVERAGE FOR 50,000 AMERICANS
LIVING WITH AIDS
* CALL DC TODAY & TELL CONGRESS TO VOTE “NO” ON THIS DANGEROUS MEASURE *
This week’s compromise deal on the Medicare drug bill includes a radical and
dangerous provision that would eliminate wrap-around drug coverage for almost
6 million vulnerable senior citizens and persons with disabilities including
over 50,000 people living with AIDS and HIV who are eligible for both Medicare
and Medicaid.
The proposed final bill would bar states from using Medicaid funds to pay for
medications and cost sharing not covered under the new Medicare drug benefit.
* Right now, more than 50,000 very low-income people with AIDS rely on these
wrap-around benefits for basic lifesaving health care, including AIDS
medications.** And millions of Americans with other disabilities and
vulnerable senior
citizens are in the same boat.
We’ve got to stop this terrible measure: otherwise, how will these people
survive?** They are the poorest of the poor – they don’t have extra money
to pay
for the co-pays, deductibles, and extra costs imposed under the new Medicare
drug bill.*They need comprehensive drug coverage provided by the Medicaid
wrap around to survive.
TAKE ACTION NOW:** Call your Senators and House Members in Washington NOW
toll-free at 877-762-8762 and tell them “Vote against the Medicare drug
bill.** It’s a death sentence for 50,000 Americans living with AIDS and
that’s not
acceptable.”
Thank You, from the HIV Medicaid & Medicare Workgroup.
