House Democrats challenge praise for Medicare drug benefit

[Algorem]

http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/news/1150360958279241.xml&coll=2

Thursday, June 15, 2006
Susan Jaffe
Plain Dealer Reporter

Washington- The first year of Medicare's prescription drug benefit is "a rousing success," the nation's top health official told a congressional committee Wednesday.

But during the first oversight hearing on the new program since enrollment closed last month, Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt and Medicare chief Mark McClellan faced strong Democratic criticism over how the Bush administration is running it and even how they tallied the enrollment numbers.

Republican members of the powerful House Committee on Ways and Means praised Leavitt and McClellan, who reported that 90 percent of people on Medicare now have a drug plan.

But Democrats point out that the 90 percent includes seniors with coverage from the Veterans Affairs Department, state prescription drug programs and other non-Medicare sources...

[Bobbieo]

1. Medicare's Drug Plan has screwed me

out of $24.43 per month for a blood pressure medication - the one presciption drug I take on a daily basis - which I can buy the generic form (which is not available in the US.) for half price in Mexico. I'm pissed!!!!

[roguevalley]

2. wait until the donut hole hits around August and September