[20050217]RS21675_Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit 各州低于可数收入阈值的受益人估计数.pdf

Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code RS21675Updated February 17, 2005Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit:Estimates of Beneficiaries Who Fall BelowCountable Income Thresholds, by StateChris L. PetersonAnalyst in Social LegislationDomestic Social Policy DivisionSummaryThe Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003(P.L. 108-173) establishes a prescription drug benefit that begins in 2006. The cost-sharing for prescription drugs is reduced for certain beneficiaries, depending on theirincome-to-poverty ratio and other factors. Using the most recent data, this reportprovides state-by-state estimates of the percentage and number of beneficiaries who fallbelow various low-income thresholds, using the definition of income specified in thelaw. The asset (or “resource”) limits were not factored into the analysis. This reportwill be updated to reflect new legislation or data.The Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (P.L.108-173) establishes a prescription drug benefit, under Medicare Part D, that begins in2006. The cost-sharing (for example, deductibles and co