What was the primary purpose of the Medicare Prescription Drug and Modernization Act of 2003?

The primary purpose of the Medicare Prescription Drug and Modernization Act of 2003 was to create Medicare Part D, which established a prescription drug benefit for Medicare beneficiaries. This landmark legislation aimed to help seniors and individuals with disabilities afford necessary medications, which were increasingly becoming a significant expense for many in these groups. Prior to this Act, Medicare did not include a comprehensive drug coverage option, leaving millions without adequate support for their prescription needs.

The introduction of Medicare Part D marked a significant expansion of Medicare, as it allowed beneficiaries to enroll in plans that offered various levels of coverage based on their needs. This not only provided financial relief but also improved access to necessary pharmacological treatments. The modernization aspect of the Act also encompassed other provisions aimed at enhancing the overall effectiveness of Medicare.

In contrast, the other options refer to programs or expansions that are either unrelated to this specific legislation or were addressed by different laws and acts. For instance, the establishment of the Medicaid program and the introduction of long-term care insurance standards were separate issues and not the focus of the 2003 Act. Similarly, while Medicare coverage for nursing homes is an important aspect of the overall Medicare program, it did not originate from this specific legislation.