March 4, 2003

A FRAMEWORK FOR MEDICARE IN THE 21^st CENTURY        

(Washington, D.C.) - The Alliance to Improve Medicare (AIM) applauds the release today of President George W. Bush's framework to strengthen and improve Medicare. 

"The framework released today allows Medicare to use the best of today's modern health care delivery mechanisms to maximize benefits and ensure high quality health care for seniors," said Tracey Moorhead, AIM Executive Director.

"AIM remains encouraged that this is the year to strengthen and improve Medicare and to provide prescription drug benefits to senior citizens," Moorhead added.  "We look forward to working with both President Bush and Congressional leaders to continue to work toward a long-term, integrated drug benefit for seniors."

AIM supports providing prescription drug coverage as part of more comprehensive modernization. AIM shares many of the Bush Administration's goals for Medicare modernization including support for providing more and better coverage options, improving coverage of preventive care services, strengthening the program's financial foundation for today's beneficiaries and for future generations, and reducing regulatory burdens on beneficiaries, health plans, and providers.

The Alliance to Improve Medicare is a coalition of organizations representing seniors, doctors, hospitals, insurance plans and providers, small and large businesses, medical researchers and innovators, and others dedicated to improving and strengthening Medicare for all Americans. AIM seeks to ensure that all seniors more health care coverage choices, better benefits (including prescription drugs), and access to the latest in innovative medical practices and treatments.