~Delete 27144

Since the Medicare Part D drug benefit was unveiled, it has confirmed to be even far more confusing and inefficient than its critics predicted. Even seniors who have been able to register for the plan must still struggle with a $three,000 gap in benefits coverage and a hefty monthly premium.

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

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

The Bush administration claims that its new benefit is a excellent deal for men and women who are not eligible for Medicaid. Yet most people will spend not only a $250 deductible, but also 25 percent co-insurance on the next $2,000 in covered drug fees. medicare billing fraud And add roughly $32 a month per person for a monthly premium.

In addition, the medicare home health billing new Medicare program requires each senior to cover 100 percent of the expenses more than $two,000 till catastrophic coverage kicks in at $five,100.

We can and medicare types should close the holes that could ruin seniors' fiscal well being as they attempt to preserve their physical well being.

Private businesses are already taking action. A group of pharmaceutical companies announced a program referred to as "Bridge Rx," which will help seniors trapped in the $three,000 hole afford their medicines. Seniors will get drug discounts of at least 50 percent in exchange for a 15 percent co-pay.

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

The purpose of the Medicare prescription drug system was to aid seniors, not produce income for insurers and pharmacy benefit managers. It really is time to deliver on the promises that were made.