States Consider Cutting Drug Help For Seniors

[OhioChick]

Source: AP

Advocates For Elderly Say Cuts Could Force Some To Stop Taking Meds

6:46 pm EDT May 27, 2009

PAWTUCKET, R.I. -- Joanne Devlin needs about 20 prescription drugs to regulate her blood pressure, keep her arthritic joints limber and pain-free and control her asthma.

She counts on financial help from Rhode Island when her Medicare Part D insurance plan maxes out and no longer pays her drug bills, which can reach $3,000 every three months. But that state help may no longer be an option after Jan. 1.

The financial crisis has grown so severe that lawmakers in Rhode Island and five other states have debated whether to cut or reduce the state funding that helps seniors and disabled people like Devlin buy their drugs.

Devlin, 62, who lives off about $10,000 a year, worries she may need to stop taking her arthritis medication to make ends meet. She stocks shelves and helps distribute food as a volunteer at a Salvation Army food shelter.

"I wouldn't be able to move a lot," she said. "I probably wouldn't even be able to come here. I'd probably have to stay home and some days be bedridden, probably."

Devlin's predicament is shared by many of the nearly 27 million people enrolled nationally in Medicare Part D, the federal insurance plan that covers prescription drugs for seniors until the total bill reaches $2,700.


Read more: http://www.newsnet5.com/health/19581668/detail.html

[undeterred]

1. I just don't think anyone gets how bad things are

and how much that safety net is needed now. Nobody in government gets it.

[Downwinder]

2. maybe they will break down and issue euthanasia pills rather than

torturing people to death.

[The Hope Mobile]

4. Much more efficient. How awful. Thanks again, BFEE!

This should be about one of the last things on the chopping block IMHO.

[jwirr]

9. I am totally depressed to night and that sounds like a very good idea.

God bless America the land of the hopeless.

[Old Coot]

3. The old "doughnut hole". Medicare part D really stinks. nt

[Dappleganger]

5. Screw Granny.

She won't be healthy enough to get to the polls anyway.

:sarcasm:

[Downwinder]

7. She can still wear a vest.

The quickest way to make home grown terrorists is to cut off medication to people with chronic diseases.

[No Elephants]

15. A very high percentage of seniors votes.

[mwooldri]

6. Another reason why we need something like the UK's NHS.

Her drug bill would have been at most $170 (£115 for 1yr certificate) for the year. Once she hit 65 (or probably sooner, since they're phasing in the higher retirement age for women) her drug bill would drop to $0.

[WoodyM]

8. My wife reaches

the doughnut hole in May. The insurance company stops paying anything for her drugs. Can’ t have the drug companies having to pay more as that may harm their profits.
The Medicare Part D is working just as the republicans planned when they passed it. It was to transfer huge amounts of money from the treasury to the pharmacy and insurance companies. Now if some people get some benefit, well no plan is perfect.

[farmboxer]

10. Would not happen in Europe. America is a plutocracy.

Blessed be the rich, to Hell with the Poor/middleclass. Norway is No. 1 in healthcare, America is #38. Insurance company CEO's need their huge bonuses so they can buy an extra prostitute, cars, extra houses, airplanes, to Hell with those who need food and medicine. Something needs to be done about this crap!

[kiranon]

11. Medicare needs to negotiate the price of drugs so the U.S. does not

overpay for medicine. The legislation that prevents Medicare from negotiating for drugs is in my opinion one of the great errors of Congress and open pandering to special interests - drug manufacturers.

[sdelphinus]

12. That legislation is a travesty.

Let's hope Obama does something about. This should not happen in America.

[Triana]

13. As usual - they cut the most vulnerable first - elderly, poor, sick, kids....

...all those "throwaway" members of society

[AlphaCentauri]

14. Stupid politicians they always start fucking up the most vulnerable

Kids and Seniors

[No Elephants]

16. Everybody ignores the disabled. Many are dependent on Medicare, regardless of age.