The Center for Medicare Advocacy looks forward to working with HHS Secretary-designee Michael Leavitt. As a national non-profit organization representing Medicare beneficiaries since 1986, we recognize the importance of Medicare in providing access to quality health care for older people and people with disabilities. The next Secretary of HHS will have a key role in implementing the new Medicare Part D drug program. We hope that we can help the Secretary ensure that the interests of older people and people with disabilities remain the primary focus of this and other components of the Medicare program.

Judith Stein, Executive Director of the Center for Medicare Advocacy states: "We hope to meet with Mr. Leavitt as soon as possible to share some of the experiences of our clients, the people who depend upon Medicare to pay for their necessary health care and medications."

© Copyright, Center for Medicare Advocacy, Inc. 05/02/2008