Health: Rx for Catastrophe

Rx for Catastrophe

For at least some of the thousands of elderly Americans whose life savings are threatened by the astronomical cost of a catastrophic illness, the bill comes just in time. Last week House and Senate conferees approved the Catastrophic Loss Prevention Act, the largest expansion of Medicare since its creation 23 years ago. The new legislation is designed to prevent 31 million elderly and disabled Americans from being wiped out by the crippling cost of hospitalization. Among other things, the bill provides unlimited free hospital care after a $589 deductible is reached, a $1,400 annual limit on doctor's fees and a portion...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!