Dean: Bush's Broken Medicare Plan

[madfloridian]

http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=62335

WASHINGTON, March 14 /U.S. Newswire/ -- President Bush touted his broken prescription drug plan today in New York, even while delays and problems continue to undermine the security of millions of America's seniors and their families who rely on Medicare. Twenty state governments have even had to step in and pay unpaid drug claims that should have been covered by President Bush's Medicare program. The program is also another example of Republican fiscal mismanagement, as the cost of the failed program has mushroomed from $400 billion to $700 billion.

"Keeping Americans secure also means fighting for their economic security. A health care system that works for everyone is crucial to the economic security of America's working families and America's seniors," said Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean. "President Bush's Medicare prescription drug plan has cost far more than promised, includes a $10 billion slush fund for drug companies and is so mismanaged states have been forced to step in and foot the bill for the federal government. We need a health care system that works for everyone. Democrats are offering the American people a change from Bush's failed policies on Medicare. Democrats are fighting to lower the cost of health care so that everyone in this country has access to high quality health care that is affordable and secure."

Beneficiaries Overcharged, Turned Away From Pharmacies Under New Drug Benefit. "Since the drug coverage took effect on Jan. 1, many low-income beneficiaries have been overcharged, and some were turned away from pharmacies without getting their medications because the pharmacies could not confirm their enrollment. The problems have been so widespread that more than 20 states have stepped in to pay drug claims that should have been paid by the federal Medicare program." (New York Times, 1/18/06)

Pharmacists and Seniors Struggle With New Prescription Drug Plan. "The new benefit has led to more paperwork, numerous phone calls to hard-to-reach plan managers and inconsistent information from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the private drug companies. 'It's not the wholesaler or the retailer that's winning,' said (pharmacy owner Tom) Bartholomew. 'The insurance companies and the drug companies are in bed with each other.'" (Aberdeen American News, 3/12"

More at the link:

http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=62335

[PVK]

1. Good old Howard. He's on Molly Ivins three points.

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