Q&A - Medicare options available

Wednesday, December 10, 2003

President Bush on Monday signed legislation that changes the federal Medicare law and provides for prescription drug coverage. Many questions remain about the new prescription plan. Elderly Americans in the Medicare program who currently rely on supplemental insurance can choose to keep such Medigap policies under the new law, but Medicare beneficiaries cannot be enrolled in both a Medigap plan and the new prescription drug plan, which leaves a "doughnut hole" of expenses that aren't covered. Below are portions of a transcript of a press conference, also held Monday, with White House press secretary Scott McClellan responding to questions about the new Medicare coverage.

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