Senate approves Medicare bill

WASHINGTON - The Senate gave final congressional approval Tuesday to the most sweeping changes to Medicare since its creation in 1965, including a new prescription drug benefit for 40 million older and disabled Americans. The 54-44 vote sends the bill to President Bush, who is eager to sign it into law.

Supporters said the $395 billion measure, which gives private insurers a large new role in health care for seniors, was a long overdue change for the 38-year-old Medicare program.

Seniors "will finally have the prescription drug coverage they need and the choices they deserve," Senate Majority Bill Frist of Tennessee said. "At the same time, it preserves traditional Medicare."

Democratic opponents, resigned to defeat, complained that the bill was a giveaway to insurers and drug companies. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., said it will dump seniors "in the cold arms of the HMOs."

"It didn't have to be this way," Kennedy said.

Drug coverage would not begin until 2006, although seniors next year will be able to purchase a drug discount card that officials said could reduce their pharmacy bills by 15 to 25 percent.

Bush sees signing the bill as fulfilling both his and many lawmakers' campaign promises.

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