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Since the Medicare Portion D drug benefit was unveiled, it has confirmed to be even much more confusing report medicare fraud and inefficient than its critics predicted. fraud billing Even seniors who have been able to register for the program must still struggle with a $three,000 gap in advantages coverage and a hefty monthly premium.

Already the government has had to alter the system: The Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Solutions reversed an earlier choice prohibiting new Medicare prescription drug strategy recipients from participating in free of charge or subsidized drug programs sponsored by pharmaceutical producers.

But we cannot stop there. The reversal fails to count the complete worth of these prescriptions toward seniors' $3,000 obligation, an expense that could put numerous in the poorhouse.

The Bush administration claims that its new benefit is a very good deal medicare fraud report for individuals who are not eligible for Medicaid. But most men and women 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 program requires every single senior to cover 100 percent of the costs more than $2,000 until catastrophic coverage kicks in at $5,100.

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

Private companies are currently taking action. A group of pharmaceutical firms announced a plan called "Bridge Rx," which will support seniors trapped in the $3,000 hole afford their medications. Seniors will get drug discounts of at least 50 percent in exchange for a 15 percent co-pay.

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

The goal of the Medicare prescription drug plan was to assist seniors, not create revenue for insurers and pharmacy benefit managers. It really is time to deliver on the promises that were produced.