Rep. Kelly Receives 2015 Medicare Part D Patient Access Champion Award

Award presented for outstanding leadership on behalf of seniors

WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (PA-03) issued the following statement today in regard to receiving the 2015 Medicare Part D Patient Access Champion Award from the Alliance for Patient Access (AfPA) and the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP). The award is given to “commend leadership on behalf of Medicare Part D, in addition to a Member of Congress’ commitment to protecting the doctor/patient relationship and preserving the options and choices that are important to older Americans.”

“I am very grateful to receive this award and appreciate the important work being done by both of these distinguished organizations. Standing up for seniors in the Third District and throughout America is a key priority of mine in Washington. I will always be enthusiastically ready to work with any leader on either side of the aisle to defend our nation’s elderly and keep Medicare fully protected for all those who depend on it.”

BACKGROUND: Last year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the cancellation of controversial changes to Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D following a bipartisan letter authored by Rep. Kelly to CMS Administrator Marilyn Tavenner expressing concern and opposition to the proposed cuts to the Medicare programs.

Tomorrow, the House Ways and Means Committee will hold a hearing to mark-up Rep. Kelly’s latest legislation, the Medicare Advantage Coverage Transparency Act of 2015, which will improve access to enrollment data in Medicare Advantage health plans by implementing an annual reporting requirement.

NOTE: According to AfPA and NANASP, the Medicare Part D Patient Access Champion Award is given to Members of Congress who are:

• Providing leadership in Congress to protect Medicare Part D on behalf of millions of American seniors and their families.
• Preserving a vast selection of health coverage options for seniors so that they may choose the best plan for their health needs.
• Ensuring access to affordable prescription drug coverage for seniors through the Medicare Part D program and opposing any efforts that would lead to increases in costs for seniors.
• Demonstrating a continued commitment to protect the doctor/patient relationship for seniors and opposing any efforts that might weaken it in any way.
• Opposing across the board cuts made by unelected boards.
• Representing senior constituents with individual issues before government agencies so that they receive the benefits and services they have earned.
• Supporting government services and necessary funding for senior programs in the Representative’s district.

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