Top 5 Reasons the current Medicare bill is no good?

[aeon flux]

The main drawback I'm aware of is that the government will have to pay whatever prices the drug companies demand with no way to negotiate for lower prices. This could be a huge unnecessary drain on the taxpayer. What the hell is the defense for this? The Republicans can argue all they want about new things that the bill will cover, but doesn't mean much if you have to pay an arm and a leg for it.

What are some other reasons? Pros, cons?

[wtmusic]

1. AARP is supporting it

against the wishes of their members. Why? They make $150M/year in insurance premiums. Major conflict of interest.

[bookman]

2. Takes away choice

The choice of a doctor. I hate HMO's mainly because of that.

It protects pharmacetical companies.

[BGAL1965]

3. 7 MILLION

of the lowest benefeciaries will lose access to free medication and be forced to buy their medications at what ever price the new insure plan calls for. I get 628 dollars a month to pay rent utilities and all other expenses, I do get food stamps, But my medications cost 1000 dollars a month. With medicaid i pay a 1 dollar token co pay . With this new plan i will have to pay all the way up to 100 percent of the cost of the first 3500 dollars Just like everyone else. Where do i get that money? I have multiple heart problems that are life threatening and if i don`t get medication i will die within weeks WHERE AM I TO OBTAIN MEDICATION I CAN`T PAY FOR?????????

[wtmusic]

5. BGAL1965, you are the voice

of the reason why this bill is wrong. I hope you are raising high hell with your reps.

[aeon flux]

6. I saw an article today

It listed 5 benefits of this medicare bill. One of them being that those with yearly income of less than $12,800 or so would receive 100% coverage drug benefit. So this *could* be good news for you if its true.

[theoceansnerves]

9. yes with stipulations

to qualify for the under $12000 waiver you must also have less than $6000 in assets and/or live in a nursing home.

[theoceansnerves]

4. the "donut hole"

there is a gap in coverage from approximately $2000 to $5000 in which you have to pay 100% of your drugs costs, including the $35 a month premium. there is a small amount of coverage below $2000. but if, for example, your drug costs for the year are $5500, including the premium (which is for the drug plan) you would end up paying $4000 out of pocket.

[juajen]

7. Do you know if those

amounts are for individuals. In other words, would a married couple have double these amounts? I assume so, double premiums, double everything else?

[theoceansnerves]

8. good question

that's a good question, and i haven't read anything that would lead me to believe a married couple wouldn't pay double. i hope maybe someone can correct me?