PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H4291-4292)
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Feb 5, 2002
Immediate Helping Hand Prescription Drug Assistance Act of 2002 - Amends the Social Security Act (SSA) to establish an outpatient prescription drug assistance entitlement program for low-income Medicare (SSA title XVIII ) beneficiaries under a new title XXII (Outpatient Prescription Drug Assistance Program). Allows States, in lieu of using the funding provided under this new title, to provide assistance to such beneficiaries through a State plan under SSA title XIX (Medicaid) or through Medicare part C (Medicare+Choice).Amends SSA title XIX to provide for expanded coverage of low-income Medicare beneficiaries under Medicaid.Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for: (1) coverage of low-income Medicare beneficiaries in Medicare+Choice; and (2) low-income Medicare beneficiaries to elect to suspend Medicare supplemental (Medigap) insurance.
People & committees
Rep. Simmons, Rob [R-CT-2] · R–CT
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H4291-4292)
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Chairman.
Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E71)
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 19, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze H.R.3684 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
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