Representing North Carolina’s Ninth District                                                                        

REP. MYRICK PRAISES HHS FOR NEW MEDICARE DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM

(Washington, D.C.) – On June 24, 2004, Rep. Sue Myrick (NC-9) took part in a press conference at the Department of Health of Human Services to help HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson announce the new Medicare Replacement Drug Demonstration program.  The new Medicare demonstration program will save seniors and persons with disabilities substantial money -- up to 90 percent in some cases -- on the life-enhancing medicines they take for serious diseases, including cancer, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

 Rep. Myrick was on hand to applaud the fact that certain breast cancer drugs will be included in the Medicare Replacement Drug Demonstration that is set to start in September, 2004.  This limited program will provide temporary prescription drug coverage until the full Medicare prescription drug program goes into effect in 2006.

 "I applaud Secretary Thompson, and the Centers for Medicare for this drug demonstration plan.  It will help people who are fighting serious diseases by providing affordable, life-saving, medicines.  This program is especially important because it provides certain drugs that breast cancer patients need.  I know the cost of breast cancer treatment, and this will be a tremendous financial help to those who take these drugs," said Myrick. 

The demonstration program, created as part of the Medicare Modernization Act, will extend Medicare coverage to prescription medicines that can be self-administered at home rather than by a health care provider. The demonstration will help up to 50,000 beneficiaries with serious illnesses who do not have comprehensive prescription drug coverage today.

 Rep. Myrick is a four year breast cancer survivor.  She is Co-Chair of the House Cancer Caucus and has been a national spokesperson for cancer causes advocating the importance of early detection and cancer research. She is one of the original authors of the Access to Cancer Therapies Act, upon which this demonstration project is based. 

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