In Florida, Medicare shifts raise a cloud

[Judi Lynn]

In Florida, Medicare shifts raise a cloud
A change in rules fuels elders' fears
By John-Thor Dahlburg, Los Angeles Times, 12/14/2003

COCONUT CREEK, Fla. -- In no state do seniors make up more of the population than in Florida, that balmy retirement destination under the palms. So nowhere should the recent reform of Medicare have deeper or more durable consequences on how people vote.

But, first, Florida's nearly 2.8 million residents older than 65 must figure out exactly what has changed, and how it affects them.

"People are bewildered by it; they don't know what's happening to their health plan," said Nana Klein, 85, a retired New York state civil servant who keeps track of senior-related legislation for the AARP chapter in this suburb of Fort Lauderdale.

Depending on who's doing the talking, by presiding over the greatest transformation of Medicare in its 38-year history, President Bush has either outfoxed the Democrats and has made major inroads in their voter base to reinforce his chances for reelection in 2004, or he has presented the elderly with a prettily wrapped time bomb that will damage their long-term interests. (snip/...)

http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2003/12/14/in_florida_medicare_shifts_raise_a_cloud/

[impeach the gop]

1. I may be wrong,

But, I don't think it's gonna kick in for 5 years? But heaven hell us when it does kick us.

[Gin]

2. The HMO's will start receiving funding in March of 04...what the hell for?

The benefits won't start unitl 06 for the seniors. The bill's talking points need to be sumarized so that we can talk up what a travesty this thing really is....seniors aren't stupid...they need the information...they trust groups like AARP who they think are working for their best interest....NOT!

[Racenut20]

3. We need lots of help with this in Florida

Obviously the State party is doing a bad job of it. Whatever candidate can best lay this out to the seniors (and I realize they are not going to commit much money due to the March primary) could carry the state for the dems in November.

Actually, I expect the State candidates, especially Senate candidates and Senators Nelson and Graham to take the lead in this, but there has been little or nothing in the papers or on the internet that I have found to prove that.