U.S. Chamber Launches Medicare Ad Campaign

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Chamber of Commerce began an advertising campaign to help people understand the benefits of the recently enacted Medicare Modernization Act of 2003. Starting today, a series of television and radio ads will remind seniors of the prescription drug coverage that will soon be available.

"Surveys show as many as 70 percent of seniors don't understand how the new drug discount card or prescription benefit will work for them – these ads are meant to change that," said Bruce Josten, Chamber executive vice president.

The ads describe how the voluntary drug benefit will be added to Medicare and will cut costs for seniors by 10 to 25 percent at first. It continues saying that when the full program is implemented, out of pocket drug costs will be reduced by 50 percent or more. Specifically, one ads says, "Seniors with the greatest need will get the greatest help. Lower income seniors won't pay more than $5 for a prescription…. And, all seniors will have peace of mind knowing their catastrophic drug costs will be covered."

Innovations in medical treatment, especially the advancements made with pharmaceuticals, have begun refocusing treatments to pharmaceutical therapies, prevention and health maintenance, according to the Chamber. These changes in how health care is delivered today have already increased Americans' life expectancy while allowing seniors to enjoy healthier and more independent lives.

"It's important that the innovations already made by pharmaceutical and even biotechnology companies are made broadly available to all Americans," said Josten. "Lawmakers should be applauded for modernizing Medicare and including prescription drug coverage."

In addition, with some 12 million senior citizens receiving retiree health coverage from their former employers, including coverage for prescription drugs, the Chamber worked to ensure that as Congress enacted this historic legislation that companies would continue to provide this important coverage to their retirees.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region.

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Editors Note: A copy of a Chamber ad is available online: /government/issues/health/medicare.htm