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Because the Medicare Component D drug benefit was unveiled, it has verified to be even far more confusing and inefficient than its critics predicted. Even seniors who have been in a position to register for the plan must nonetheless struggle with a $three,000 gap in advantages coverage and a hefty monthly premium.

Already the government has had to modify the program: The Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services reversed an earlier selection prohibiting new Medicare prescription drug strategy recipients from participating in free of charge or subsidized drug applications sponsored by pharmaceutical producers.

But we can not quit there. The reversal fails to count the full worth of these prescriptions toward seniors' $3,000 obligation, an expense that could place numerous in the poorhouse.

The Bush administration claims that its new benefit is a good deal for people who are not eligible for Medicaid. But most folks will pay not only a $250 deductible, but also 25 percent co-insurance coverage on the subsequent $two,000 in covered drug costs. And add roughly $32 a month per individual for a monthly premium.

In addition, the new Medicare plan needs every senior to cover 100 percent of the costs more than $two,000 until catastrophic coverage kicks in at $five,100.

We can and must close the holes that may ruin seniors' fiscal well being as they try to preserve their physical wellness.

Private businesses are currently taking action. A group of pharmaceutical companies announced a strategy named "Bridge Rx," which will assist seniors trapped in the $three,000 hole afford their medications. Seniors will get drug discounts of at least 50 percent in exchange for a 15 percent co-spend.

Washington ought to also act by letting those who qualify for subsidized pharmaceutical manufacturer applications like Bridge Rx - but who concurrently pay a monthly Part D premium - count the complete worth of their medications' formulary cost toward the $three,000 gap.

The goal of the Medicare prescription drug plan was to support seniors, not generate revenue for insurers and pharmacy benefit managers. It's time to deliver on the promises that were produced. billing medicare home health medicare fraud medicare types