Deadline Extension XXXX Voted Against Creation of Fund to Pay for Extension of Medicare Part D Enrollment Deadline. In March 2006, XXXX voted against an amendment that would have created a deficit-neutral reserve fund to adjust the budget and pay for the impact of any legislation to extend Medicare’s prescription drug program open enrollment period to the end of 2006 and allow a one-time change of plan enrollment during 2006. [Vote 49, 3/15/06] XXXX Voted Against Improvements to Medicare Part D, Including Extending the Enrolment Period. In February 2006, XXXX voted to kill and amendment that would have made several changes to the Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. The amendment would have extended the initial enrollment period for the Medicare prescription drug benefit through 2006. It also would have made program changes, including providing for federal reimbursement to pharmacies, states and individuals, costs that should have been covered by the prescription drug benefit but were incorrectly charged during rollout. [Vote 5, 2/2/06] XXXX Voted To Kill Amendment that Would Have Extended Medicare Prescription Drug Enrolment Deadline. In November 2005 XXXX voted to kill an amendment to the Tax Reconciliation Bill that would have extended the enrollment period for the Medicare Prescription Drug plan. The amendment offered by Senator Nelson of Florida, would have extended the deadline by six months, giving seniors until the end of 2006 to enroll. [Vote 342, 11/17/05] XXXX Voted Against Allowing Open Enrollment in Medicare Drug Plans Through 2008. In 2003, XXXX voted to kill an amendment that allowed open enrollment in Medicare drug plans through 2008. The amendment extended, until the end of 2007, the period for beneficiaries to enter or exit the Medicare prescription drug plans and Medicare Advantage plan. The amendment failed 55-42. [Vote 234, 6/24/03; Hartford Courant, 6/25/03] Duel Coverage XXXX Voted to Kill Amendment to Ensure Medicaid Recipients Would Not Suffer Coverage Loss When Switching to Medicare Part-D. In November 2005, XXXX Voted against an amendment that would have made sure those Medicaid patients who were switched to Medicare Part-D would not suffer from a coverage gap. The amendment would have extended the period of time, by six months, before those that were “dual eligible” for Medicaid and Medicare Part-D would lose their Medicaid coverage. “When the Medicare program takes effect Jan. 1, these seniors will lose their Medicaid coverage and be subject to the higher co-payments and uncertainties of the new program. Supporters said the seniors will need more time to adjust to the Medicare drug law.” [Vote 297, 11/3/05; Washington Post, 11/6/05] OTHER RX DRUG XXXX Voted To Delay Manufacturing Of Generic Drugs. In May 2012, XXXX voted against Bingaman, D- N.M., amendment no. 2111 that would allow companies that produce generic drugs to share some of the 180-day marketing exclusivity period given to the original generic patent holder if that holder enters into a delay agreement. The amendment was rejected by a vote of 28-67 (D 24-25; R 3-41; I 1-1). [Vote 105, 5/24/12] XXXX Voted Against Amendment to Create Medicare Administered Drug Benefit. In March 2006, XXXX voted against an amendment to create a Medicare administered drug benefit under Medicare Part D. The proposal would have established a standard prescription drug benefit administered directly by Medicare. Seniors who chose this option would have a modest deductible and co-payments for prescriptions, without any gaps in coverage. The benefit would also have provided complete protection for seniors against drug costs above $3,600 per year. Everyone who chose the Medicare-guaranteed option would pay a low, uniform monthly premium, regardless of where they lived. [Vote 71, 3/16/06] XXXX Voted Against Creating A Program to Encourage Community-Based Services to Individuals With Disabilities. In 2003, XXXX voted to kill an amendment that would establish a demonstration project under 167