By the end of the year, our senior citizens are supposed to sign up for prescription drug coverage under the new Medicare Part "D". Republicans, and their media lackeys, are touting this coverage as a significant added benefit. The truth, however, is far different.There are several problems with this law:
- The cost to taxpayers is going to be over twice as high as the Republicans claimed it would be; and the cost over the next 10 years could well hit one trillion dollars.
- This law prevents the federal government from negotiating for lower drug prices. Americans are already subsidizing virtually all the drug companies' research costs; this plan will force us to continue paying far more than our share.
- Insurance companies can offer a bizarrely complex variety of confusing plans. As a result, even public officials who try to sort through the maze can't make it clear.
- Once people sign up for a plan, they are stuck with it for a year, but the insurance company can change the coverage, essentially lying to and cheating seniors.
The fact is, this plan was not designed to benefit seniors. This plan was designed to benefit drug companies, by insuring that they can charge as much as they want and spending hundreds of billions of taxpayer dollars to pay for it. This plan was designed to benefit insurance companies, by allowing them to cheat seniors who sign up.
Perhaps this is why it is estimated that 4 out of 5 seniors will not participate. After all, why should they sign up for something that includes premiums, co-payments, and the high probability that they will be stuck paying more than they are now?
Republicans did not write this law. This law was written by lobbyists working for drug companies and insurance companies. Unfortunately, lobbyists write most of our laws, and the result is huge windfalls for those lobbyists' employers. That is the way things are done in government.
Perhaps this is why half of America doesn't vote. After all, who cares who our elected officials are, if outsiders are doing the real work?
Energy prices are rising at an enormous rate, and the winners are the oil companies. Health care costs are rising at an enormous rate, and the winners are the drug and insurance companies. These companies are the primary financial supporters of Republicans. As long as Republicans are in power, these trends will continue. The only way to stop this madness is to get rid of the Republicans.
Of course, when the Democrats gain control, who will benefit then?
It's enough to make you sick. Fortunately, when you get old enough, Medicare will be there to help you.
Maybe.
Copyright 2005, Dan Jacoby
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