What legislation added new prescription drug and preventive benefits to Medicare?

The legislation that added new prescription drug and preventive benefits to Medicare is the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act (MMA) of 2003. This act introduced the Medicare Part D program, which provides beneficiaries with access to prescription drug coverage. It represented a significant expansion of Medicare, addressing the need for medication coverage for seniors and others eligible for Medicare.

In addition to creating a new prescription drug benefit, the MMA also included provisions for preventative services, allowing Medicare beneficiaries to receive certain preventive care services without cost-sharing. This approach aimed to promote health maintenance and early intervention, which can be beneficial in managing chronic conditions and reducing overall healthcare costs.

The other options relate to various health policies but do not specifically address the introduction of prescription drug benefits in Medicare. BIPA and OBRA, while important in their respective contexts, do not relate to the enhancements in Medicare drug coverage provided by the MMA. HCERA primarily focused on health care reform and insurance coverage but not specifically on the prescription drug benefit. Therefore, the MMA's role in expanding Medicare's coverage for prescriptions and preventive services stands out as a key legislative milestone in enhancing healthcare for Medicare beneficiaries.