Coalition warns Medicare glitches could hurt seniors

[Judi Lynn]

Nov. 14, 2005, 11:34PM

Coalition warns Medicare glitches could hurt seniors
A lawsuit says the consequences are 'calamitous' if thousands lose drug benefit Jan. 1
By RICARDO ALONSO-ZALDIVAR
Los Angeles Times

WASHINGTON - Computer glitches involving the new Medicare drug benefit could leave thousands of frail, impoverished seniors without prescription coverage on Jan. 1, a coalition of consumer groups alleged in a lawsuit against the government filed Monday.

"Because many of these persons need prescription medications to function or survive, the consequences of no longer receiving prescription drug coverage will be calamitous," warned the 19-page complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Manhattan by the Medicare Rights Center and seven other organizations.

The transfer of these beneficiaries to new coverage is one of the most delicate transitions under the complex prescription drug benefit, the centerpiece of President Bush's Medicare overhaul.

The consumer groups want to force the government to develop stronger safeguards for 6.4 million elderly and disabled beneficiaries who now get prescriptions through Medicaid and medical services through Medicare. Called "dual eligibles" by the government, they are poor and many are suffering from severe physical and mental disabilities.
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[watrwefitinfor]

1. There is no need to worry about this.

I'm sure you're aware Bush has someone in place making sure this transition will be seamless.

Someone whose qualifications are just as impressive as Brownie's, and who will do a "helluva job" just as Brownie did for New Orleans and the gulf coast. :sarcasm:

Wonder how many old folks we will lose this time.
Wonder if anyone will notice or care.
Wonder if I'll be one of them.

Wat

[ClintonTyree]

2. You and me both.........

I'm considering not enrolling in any of their half-assed programs at all. The County I live in has a prescription drug plan in place for Seniors that costs us nothing at all. It covers about 40% of the cost of generic drugs, no deductables and again, no premiums to pay.
My prescription drugs cost about $700 a year. By the time I pay $38 a month premium and get through the $250 deductable I save very little. I'm thinking of just staying away from the whole damned thing. I know if I ever wanted to get in on it later it would cost me more, but I don't trust bush or his stinking drug programone iota.

[rodeodance]

3. wonder if counties such as yours will phase out their plans--like business

es are doing-despite the fact that provisions were written to the bill--'incentives' (money for businesses).