In 1965, at the time of Medicare’s inception, the program was designed to meet the health care needs of our nation. Times have changed, new technologies have been developed and the practice of medicine has advanced. In light of our growth, we must recognize that it is time for our Medicare program to be modernized to ensure that it can meet the needs of today’s seniors.

Medical research and developments have led to the advent of many new powerful prescription drugs which have the ability to treat medical conditions which used to require surgical procedures. The medications are very helpful for curing illnesses and aiding those in pain. However, the cost of these important pills can be troublesome for a large portion of our population that needs them most, our elderly.

The Medicare program is in jeopardy and cannot afford expensive new benefits without real reform to the program. I share concerns about the rising cost of health care and prescription drug coverage and I am committed to helping find a solution to the problem so we can increase access to prescription drugs for America’s seniors and ensure that they live longer, healthier, happier lives.

Check out these News Releases on Medicare and Prescription Drug Coverage:

• Craig Says Hearing on Enforcement Makes “A Clear Case for Medicare Improvement” - July 26, 2001
  
  
• Craig to Question Agency Chief about Medicare Enforcement Actions - July 24, 2001
  
  
• Craig Praises President’s Medicare Leadership - July 12, 2001
  
  
• Craig Says Rapid Growth of Those 100 Years Old and Older Requires Careful Medicare Reform - June 25, 2001
  
  
• U.S. Senator Larry Craig Says a Prescription Drug Benefit Is Needed as Part of Medicare Reform - June 13, 2001
  
  

Go straight to the source:

• The Social Security Administration's Medicare Site