Senior drug benefit costing millions to explain, VA drugs cheaper

[WillYourVoteBCounted]

""I realize I'm not at my peak any longer," Goodman said. Still, "I have a master's degree in engineering, and I found it complicated" to figure out how the program will work. "Why can't the government do something simple -- negotiate directly with the drug companies and set prices?"

Medicare Part D costing millions to explain
The Medicare prescription drug program is so vast and complex that supporters are spending millions to explain its complicated costs and benefits to consumers. Much confusion stems from the large number of different options, and there also is the fact that the prescription drug plan will not be an appropriate choice for some retirees, such as those who have generous drug coverage from former employers. The Washington Post (free registration) (9/27)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/09/26/AR2005092601357.html?nav=rss_health

Study: VA prescription drug program cheaper than Medicare
Older people using the government's Medicare drug card paid more for prescription drugs on 49 of the 50 most popular drugs for senior citizens than they would have paid through the Veterans Affairs Department, according to a new study. The survey, from the advocacy group Families USA, found that people who bought their drugs through the VA saved about $220 for a yearlong prescription, but Medicare officials say the program's new drug benefit, coming Jan. 1, will have a greater choice of drugs than the VA program. The Washington Post/Associated Press
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/09/27/AR2005092700076.html

[lcordero2]

1. they always try to make it as complicated as possible in order

to grease as many of their friend's palms as possible.

[classof56]

2. You nailed it! BTW--welcome to DU. n/t

[lcordero2]

3. thank you

:hi:

[Canuckistanian]

4. The more complicated, the better chances you'll screw it up.

The more you screw it up, the more money you'll have to pay.