What is the Medicare Modernization Act?

On December 8, 2003, the President signed the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act (MMA) of 2003, which became effective on January 1, 2006.  Two significant changes occurred with this legislation; a prescription drug benefit was made available for seniors and people with disabilities who are covered by Medicare. The managed care program, formerly known as Medicare + Choice, was redesigned and renamed Medicare Advantage. The MMA amended section 1144 of the Social Security Act to require the Social Security Administration (SSA) to conduct additional outreach efforts to identify individuals entitled to Medicare benefits which may be eligible for transitional assistance under the Medicare Prescription Drug Discount Card Program and premium and cost-sharing subsidies under the Prescription Drug Card Part D Program.  SSA continues to identify and reach out to Medicare beneficiaries to help pay Medicare cost-sharing if available under the Medicaid program.