What will the new medicare drug benefit mean for Minnesota physicians?

The Medicare Modernization Act passed by Congress in 2003 included a prescription drug benefit that will go into effect in January 2006. In addition to providing prescription drug coverage, the new benefit presents physicians and their patients with a complex set of procedures and regulations. This article explores the historical context for the law, the effects of the interim benefit for 2004 and 2005, the provisions of the benefit, and the implications for Minnesota seniors and their physicians.