Since January 1st, 2006 the new Medicare plan has been nothing but disastrous and harmful to many senior citizens in this country. This, according to USA Today:
"Under the prescription drug plan, the low-income seniors were automatically enrolled in private health plans. The new coverage kicked in Jan. 1. Since then, many patients have left drugstores empty-handed because their names weren't in government databases. Pharmacies didn't know which drugs were covered. Druggists were unable to get through to the health plans' jammed phone lines. Some plans didn't comply with rules that they approve emergency supplies on the spot. Patients were overcharged for co-pays and deductibles they didn't owe.
Twenty states, seeing a disaster in the making, rushed to pay for prescriptions and rescued the frailest of our citizens from the federal government's new 'benefit.'"
More below the fold......
In response to this clear crisis, and in keeping with his steadfast commitment to elderly constituents, Feingold issued this response on the Wisconsin Democratic Party website:
"In the three weeks since it was launched, the Medicare prescription drug benefit has resulted in frustration, confusion, expensive medications, and sometimes no medications at all for many senior and disabled citizens. These problems are potentially life-threatening and they need to be fixed immediately.
Governor Doyle came to the aid of Medicare beneficiaries when the federal government would not by enacting emergency provisions. I am extremely disappointed to hear that Secretary Leavitt and the administration are still refusing to give full reimbursement for funds that were spent out of a tight state budget. This refusal is unacceptable and I will work to pass legislation that would provide states like Wisconsin with emergency reimbursement funding when the Senate returns to session next week.
Over the past two years, I have repeatedly tried to fix some of the problems with this confusing and badly flawed program and I will continue these efforts."
Feel free to drop by California for Feingold '08 and Russ for President for Senator Feingold's continuing efforts on this and many other issues.