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ARMED FORCES NEWS |
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On Dec. 8, President Bush signed the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 into law. In addition to civilian pharmacy benefits (next item), five provisions may impact on Medicare-eligible military retirees and their families. First, the bill will eliminate late enrollment penalties for Medicare-eligibles who enrolled in Medicare Part B in 2001, 2002, or 2003 in order to be covered by Tricare for Life. Second, it will eliminate late penalties for those who enroll in Part B during a special enrollment in 2004 that will run through Dec. 31. Next, it will replace a planned 4.5 percent cut in Medicare payments to doctors with a 1.5 percent increase in 2004 and 2005. Fourth, it will eliminate the annual $1,500 cap on Medicare physical therapy payments. Finally, it will establish a means test for Medicare Part B participation, creating higher premiums beginning at the $80,000 annual income level. |
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