Nov 25, 2003
Guidant Commends Passage of Medicare Reform Bill

Legislation Benefits Patients, Physicians and Medical Innovation

Indianapolis, Ind. - Guidant Corporation (NYSE: GDT), a world leader in the treatment of cardiac and vascular disease, today commended the passage of the Medicare Prescription Drug Modernization Act of 2003.

"Guidant applauds the leadership of the Bush Administration and members of both parties of Congress who worked together to secure passage of this historic legislation," said Ronald W. Dollens, president and CEO, Guidant Corporation. "This bill is good for patients, supports America''s hospitals and physicians and encourages medical innovation."

The new legislation provides seniors with a prescription drug benefit, access to expanded preventative care coverage and, for the first time, a meaningful choice in healthcare plans. It also increases Medicare payments to hospitals and physicians, thereby strengthening the financial viability of the healthcare system, and fosters continued private sector investment in medical innovation through increased market competition.

"By encouraging market competition, this important legislation will advance the overall quality of care for today''s beneficiaries," said Dollens. "It also will foster private sector innovation that will result in medical discoveries not now imagined, benefiting future recipients."

Guidant Corporation pioneers lifesaving technology, giving an opportunity for better life today to millions of cardiac and vascular patients worldwide. The company, driven by a strong entrepreneurial culture of more than 11,000 employees, develops, manufactures and markets a broad array of products and services that enable less invasive care for some of life''s most threatening medical conditions. For more information visit www.guidant.com.