[THIS IS THE PERIODIC BRIEFING FROM THE WHITE HOUSE TO ITS OFFICIALS AND OTHER SUPPORTERS OF ITS HEALTH-REFORM PROGRAM. IT PROVIDES AN INSIDE LOOK AT HOW THE ADMINISTRATION IS PROMOTING ITS PLAN. THIS ITEM WILL ALWAYS HAVE THE SAME SUBJECT LINE (WITH DIFFERENT DATES) SO YOU CAN EASILY SKIP IT IF YOU DO NOT WISH TO READ IT.] Health Care Reform Today The White House November 30, 1993 * The current health care system threatens the security of all Americans -- young and old. With more serious health care problems and higher bills than anyone, older Americans know best the unacceptable costs of our current health care system. Nearly two thirds of Americans over the age of 65 have no prescription drug coverage. More than 8 million Americans over age 55 say they have to choose between food and medicine. (AARP survey) And Americans are charged nearly three times as much for American-made prescription drugs as they are in foreign countries, with prices continuing to skyrocket. * Under reform, Medicare will be preserved and strengthened. Seniors will continue to receive Medicare coverage -- with guaranteed security for years to come. Older Americans can keep seeing the doctors they see today, and their benefits will be expanded. * Prescription Drug Benefit. The President's plan offers prescription drug coverage under Medicare. Medicare beneficiaries will have 80 percent coverage for their medications after they reach a $250 deductible. A $1,000 annual cap will be placed on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs. Any costs above this amount will be fully covered. * "President Clinton's Health Security plan challenges the national community to pool its resources and guarantee every American comprehensive health benefits. As a former U.S. Commissioner of Aging, I am particularly enthusiastic about the plan: because this proposal will mean a strengthened Medicare program -- providing greater security and prescription drug coverage for older Americans." -- Dr. Arthur Flemming, former Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare under President Eisenhower; current co-chair of Save our Security, a coalition of aging groups * Long Term Care. The Health Security plan takes an important first step towards expanding options for long-term care program. It will help Americans who need long-term care live independently at home and in their communities -- which most people prefer. The Health Security plan will expand home and community based services to individuals with severe disabilities, without regard to income or age.