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Because the Medicare Part D drug benefit was unveiled, it has verified to be even more confusing and inefficient than its critics predicted. Even seniors who have been in a position to register for the program must nevertheless struggle with a $three,000 gap in positive aspects coverage and a hefty monthly premium. Already the government has had to alter the system: The Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Solutions reversed an earlier decision prohibiting new Medicare prescription drug plan recipients from participating in free or subsidized drug programs sponsored by pharmaceutical producers. healthcare fraud But we can't cease there. The reversal fails to count the full value of these prescriptions toward seniors' $three,000 obligation, an expense that could put numerous in the poorhouse. The Bush administration claims that its new benefit is a good deal for folks who are not eligible for Medicaid. Yet most men and women will pay not only a $250 deductible, but also 25 percent co-insurance coverage on the next $2,000 in covered drug costs. And add roughly $32 a month per person for a monthly premium. In addition, the new Medicare strategy calls for each senior to cover 100 percent of the fees more than $2,000 until catastrophic coverage kicks in at $five,100. We can and should close the holes that may possibly ruin seniors' fiscal wellness as they attempt to preserve their physical well being. Private companies are already taking action. A group of pharmaceutical organizations announced a program named "Bridge Rx," which will assist seniors trapped in the $3,000 hole afford their medications. Seniors will get drug discounts of at least 50 percent in exchange for a 15 percent co-pay. Washington ought to also act by letting those who qualify for subsidized pharmaceutical manufacturer applications like Bridge Rx - but who concurrently pay a monthly Element D premium - count the complete value of their medications' formulary price toward the $3,000 gap. The goal of the Medicare prescription drug plan was to support seniors, not generate income for insurers and pharmacy benefit managers. It's time to deliver on the promises that had been produced.