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Seniors Pay High Price tag for Gap in Benefits Coverage

Since the Medicare Portion D drug benefit was unveiled, it has verified to be even much more confusing and inefficient than its critics predicted. Even seniors who have been able to register for the system need to still struggle with a $3,000 gap in benefits coverage and a hefty monthly premium. medicare medical equipment .

Currently the government has had to alter the program: The Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Solutions reversed an earlier choice prohibiting new Medicare prescription drug program recipients from participating in free of charge or subsidized drug applications sponsored by pharmaceutical manufacturers.

But we can't stop there. The reversal fails to count the complete worth of these prescriptions toward seniors' $three,000 obligation, an expense that could put many in the poorhouse.

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

In addition, the new Medicare plan needs every senior to cover 100 percent of the costs over $2,000 till catastrophic coverage kicks in at $five,100.

We can and need to close the holes that could ruin seniors' fiscal wellness as they attempt to preserve their physical wellness.

Private firms are already taking action. A group of pharmaceutical businesses announced a strategy called "Bridge Rx," which will help 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-pay. common types of fraud .

Washington really should also act by letting those who qualify for subsidized pharmaceutical manufacturer applications like Bridge Rx - but who concurrently spend a monthly Element D premium - count the complete worth of their medications' formulary price tag toward the $3,000 gap.

The goal of the Medicare prescription drug program was to help seniors, not create income for insurers and pharmacy benefit managers. It is time to deliver on the promises that were created. medicare fraud .