Murray Applauds Passage of Bill that will Help 159,000 Washington Seniors Pay for Prescription Drugs, Improve Health Care for WA Families Starting This Year

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray applauded the passage of the bill making improvements to the health insurance reform legislation that was signed into law on Tuesday. The bill passed the Senate today by a vote of 56-43.



“Today’s passage ensures that seniors in Washington state will be able to stop worrying about falling into the ‘donut hole’ and not being able to afford the prescription drugs they need to stay healthy,” said Senator Patty Murray. “Health insurance reform is going to help families and small business owners in Washington state in so many way starting this year. Today’s passage is just one more step toward lower premiums, more choices, and the health care security and stability our families deserve.”



More information on immediate benefits for Washington state families and small business owners.



Senator Murray spoke on the floor of the Senate yesterday about how this law will help families and small business owners starting this year. Listen or  Watch the speech.



Once this bill becomes law, in order to have their drugs covered under the Medicare Part D program, drug manufacturers would have to provide a 50% discount to Part D beneficiaries for brand-name drugs purchased during the coverage gap.  The bill also provides a $250 rebate for all Medicare Part D enrollees who enter the “donut hole” in 2010. And it begins the work of closing the “donut hole” completely by 2020.