Just how good is the new Medicare Bill?

[rwork]

Over heard NPR lady with Brian Lamb this morning say patient would pay first $4000.00 of $5000.00 in bills. Monthly premium is $35.00 or may be higher. $250.00 deductible. Patient responsible for 25 percent of first $2250.00. Then they talk about donut hole between $2250.00 and $5100.00 patient is also responsible for. I new when I heard Bill Frist lavishly praising this bill there would be hidden negatives.I guess you might say the new bill will help a little bit.

[baby_bear]

1. How will it help even a little bit?

The provision prohibiting Medicare from negotiating for lower drug prices for beneficiaries will be the end of the federal program. That is what this whole thing is all about. No imports from Canada; no negotiating for lower prices, except by HMOs, not the government. It is a holiday gift to pharmaceutical companies and private medical insurance HMOs.

It's a lump of coal for taxpayers and Medicare "beneficiaries," especially those to come. Make sure to include AARP on your Christmas list. (not)

s_m.