Medicare/Prescription Drugs News

[admin]

Medicare/Prescription Drugs News

[admin]

The Senate passed the most sweeping changes in Medicare in nearly 40 years Tuesday, sending President Bush a bill that will create a prescription drug benefit for seniors and expand the role of private insurers in the government's health program for the elderly.

http://www.realcities.com/mld/krwashington/7348725.htm

[admin]

The following are taken from the AARP website.

From: JIMTOZZI Nov-28 5:34 pm
To: ALL (1 of 5)

619.1

Actions to oust Novelli are premature. I have spent forty years in the regulatory business, many as a regulatory official in the White House Office of Management and Budget. The legislation is far too complex to make decisions at this time. Furthermore the shape of the legislation will be governed by the implementing reguations. Members time would be better served by participating [in] the regulatory process.


From: F_SUEDMEYER 12:44 am
To: JIMTOZZI (4 of 5)

619.4 in reply to 619.1

Jim,

This legislation is not that complex! Are you saying that the we senior Americans do not have the ability to comprehend these costs? Jim, little elderly ladies in the grocery store have it figured out!

The membership of AARP is voting, many resignations. Understand there is going to be an investigation of AARP and some of there methods. Are you a part of that, will we be hearing more about you?


FROM: JIM TOZZI

Never had any dealings with Mr. Novelli or AARP, other than my membership.

Hopefully you will be hearing more from me. Visit the website, TheCMS.org which will follow the development of regulations for this act.

[admin]

Why Do Florida Elderly Feel Let Down By Medicare Drug Benefit?

From the website: TheCMS.org

The New York Times, Sunday, November 30, states many senior citizens feel let down by the new legislation . Why? Costs is the answer.

The Times gives the following costs for seniors:

First $ 250 Senior Pays 100%

Next $2,500 Senior Pays 25%
Medicare 75%

Next $2,800 Senior Pays 100%

Beyond $5,l00 Senior Pays 5%
Medicare 95%


Where you stand is where you sit. The Times says that Low Income Seniors "without any insurance for prescription drugs stand to gain most from the new Medicare benefit. They could receive extra assistance, reducing their premiums, deductibles, and other costs."

Bottom line, low income seniors are given a benefit, middle income seniors a small benefit, except a very substantial benefit in the case of a major illness.

In a time when the Federal government is recording record deficits, the legislation is a great start. Novelli made the right decision.

A November 30 Newsday article states:

"AARP leaders no doubt thought they ought to take the $400 billion on the table, for fear that any sort of prescription drug breakthrough would be hard to obtain in the future."

[admin]

"In the race to provide 40 million seniors with the popular drug benefit, the voices of fiscal restraint were quashed — a last-minute attempt to stall the bill on the ground that it busted the budget was voted down — and any serious attempts to contain costs were lost in the bargaining to win votes. That means the $400 billion program is likely to cost a good deal more than was advertised in the brochure. For one thing, estimates for entitlement programs are notoriously low. In 1966, according to Douglas Bandow, a senior fellow at the libertarian Cato Institute, Medicare was predicted to cost $12 billion by 1990--a guess that fell short by $95 billion. In the case of the new benefit, many believe the cost could balloon because there are few mechanisms to keep drug prices low."

Notwithstanding the $400 billion price tag, a number of Senior Citizens are demanding the resignation of the AARP CEO who capitalized on the ideal opportunity to aid his membership.

Read article http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1101031208-552110,00.html

[admin]

From: JIMTOZZI 5:39 am
To: HFFLETCH (2 of 2)

629.2 in reply to 629.1

News From Crawford--It's Just Begun

The Star Telegram reports:

"The United States' bedrock social insurance program since its enactment in 1935, Social Security is funded by a payroll tax that is slated to pay $470 billion in retirement benefits this year to more than 46 million elderly and disabled Americans. Bush's goal of allowing workers to divert some of those payroll taxes into private investment accounts faces even more political obstacles than the just-passed Medicare legislation."

"President Bush is completing plans to campaign next year for a restructuring of Social Security, a potentially divisive drive that he believes is "a winning issue" for Republicans -- and for his own legacy."

AARP is a strong and viable organization, do not go through a disruptive reorganization which will preclude it from a meaningfull participation in this important issue.

[Poster]

Not everyone is happy about the proposed prescription discount cards that will be part of the new Medicare legislation. While the poorest seniors would be eligible for increased discounts, middle and higher income Americans would not see much of a difference.

“But the exact details of the card program are yet to be written, especially those that will guide who pays the most for the discounts -- drug sellers or drug makers. Drugstores have sought protections from revenue losses. Manufacturers say they are willing to provide discounts but do not want to shoulder the burden alone.”

Small drugstores chains and franchises are contesting the plan, saying it will have a major impact on their sales. They claim the legislation will put a costly burden on them, until the full program is up and running in 2006. Many small stores say they may be forced to close their doors once the discounts become available.

“Medicare discounts could particularly affect independent pharmacies that lack the bargaining clout of the big chains, like CVS and Walgreens. Drugstore industry associations representing independent stores and chains successfully sued the government over the past two years to block similar government discount card plans floated by the Bush administration. They contended that the government lacked statutory authority to offer the plans. Now, with congressional approval of the Medicare bill, the government's authority is unquestioned.”

“A major goal of the Medicare discount card will be the use of lists of approved drugs, called formularies, which will encourage drug manufacturers to lower prices, proponents say. Medicare beneficiaries will be limited to signing up for just one government-issued card a year, ensuring that the insurer issuing the card maximizes its bargaining leverage with drug makers.”

To read more go to: http://www.boston.com/business/globe/articles/2003/12/02/drugstores_fear_burden_of_medicare_discounts/

[Poster]

Thomas Scully, the head of Medicare and Medicaid, announced late yesterday that he will resign effective December 16th. He says he agreed to continue his post until the new Medicare legislation included a viable prescription drug program.

“Scully had said that he would not depart until Congress had finished working on legislation that would add prescription drug coverage and an expanded role for private health plans to Medicare. White House officials said yesterday that Bush is scheduled to sign the bill Monday, a paramount domestic policy goal that will figure prominently in his reelection campaign.”

Bush’s appointment of Scully was meant to display a dedication to providing quality healthcare for patients. Scully backed a push towards market competition, that was ultimately included in the new legislation set to be signed by President Bush on Monday.

“And he has championed an administration proposal to transform Medicaid -- a program for the poor that is shared by the federal government and the states -- that would offer states vast new powers to determine what medical services are provided and how much patients must pay for them. It would give states more money up front but not the long-term increases that governors want.”

To read more go to: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A29781-2003Dec2.html

[Poster]

With the new Medicare legislation set to be signed by Bush on Monday, critics are already claiming the plan won’t work. Rep. Olver D-Amherst, is already considering sponsoring a new plan, to go into effect when Americans realize the current plan isn’t helping. He says that the legislation doesn’t provide enough coverage, and that it will give more benefit to insurance companies than to seniors.

“Olver said he expects several proposals to scuttle it to emerge in Congress next year. Although Olver stopped short of saying he would offer his own bill, he said he is eager to co-sponsor legislation.”

That’s because the plan will give millions of dollars of federal money to private insurers to provide care for millions of older Americans. Another major issue is the huge coverage gap that doesn’t pay out until the patient has incurred over $5,100 in medical costs.

“The reliance on private insurers and the creation of the prescription drug component and it's doughnut hole shifts the financial burden of senior citizens health care away from the federal government and onto the individual, Olver said. "It takes hugely more money out of the individual citizen," he added”

To learn more go to: http://www.lowellsun.com/Stories/0,1413,105~4746~1809077,00.html

[Poster]

The allegations of a congressional bribe to get the new Medicare legislation passed have risen again this week. Democrats insist that the Justice Department look into the matter and determine whether any wrongdoing took place.

“Media reports have alleged that an undisclosed Republican told Rep. Nick Smith, R-Mich., that if he voted for the bill, business interests would contribute $100,000 to help his son, Brad, succeed him. Smith is not seeking re-election in 2004. His son is one of several Republican candidates running for the seat."Not only was this bribe offered to a member of Congress, it was offered on the floor of the House of Representatives by another member of Congress," McAuliffe wrote Ashcroft.”

Brad Smith, the Congressman’s son says the controversy is hurting his campaign because voters are tired of dirty politics. He says his father did not consider the offer a bribe.

“Smith told Gannett News Service on Nov. 24 that he had been lobbied heavily to support the bill. He said he had received promises that business interests and GOP leaders would help his son's campaign in exchange. He said he also was told those same groups would work to defeat his son if Smith voted against the bill.”

The record show that Smith voted against the bill, and the Justice Department says it’s unlikely there will be an federal probe.

“In the House, Democrats and Republicans have an unspoken agreement not to initiate ethics inquiries, and only a member's request can trigger a committee investigation. House Democratic leaders avoided comment on Smith's allegations Thursday.”

To read more go to: http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2003-12-04-dem-inquiry-bribe_x.htm

[admin]

"In every legislative battle, there are winners and losers," Semiatin said. "Anybody caught between the drug companies and the (elderly) is going to be hurt"

Read article http://www.billingsgazette.com/index.php?id=1&display=rednews/2003/12/07/build/nation/45-medicare.inc

[Poster]

President Bush gave the green light for a $400 billion overhaul of Medicare and Medicaid today. The new legislation, designed to make healthcare more accessible and affordable for Americans, will be gradually implemented over the next ten years. The most notable change to the system is the new prescription drug coverage, intended to make medications cheaper for consumers.

“Overall, the new law will carry out the most extensive changes since Medicare's creation in 1965. It adds a prescription drug benefit beginning in 2006. At the same time, it encourages insurance companies to offer private plans to millions of older Americans who now receive health care benefits under terms fixed by the federal government.”

Democrats fought hard against the new plan, but lost to the majority. They say the entire system could be jeopardized if Bush’s plan doesn’t work. The President is confident that his program will be just what struggling seniors need to get back on their feet.

"I'm pleased that all of you are here to witness the greatest advance in health care coverage for America's seniors since the founding of Medicare," the president said. He said then-President Lyndon Johnson, when he signed the Medicare Act of 1965, established a "a solemn promise to America's seniors. We have pledged to help our citizens find affordable medical care in the later years of life."

To read more go to: http://www.theeastcarolinian.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2003/12/07/3fd4b0a6e3277

[Poster]

The city of Boston wants to start importing drugs from a Canadian companies. The new Medicare legislation does not allow the city to purchase medications for city employees at far lower prices than it pays American drug manufacturers. However, the city says it plans to do so anyway City officials estimate the new program will save the city about a million dollars a year.

“The practice is illegal, although Congress has told the Department of Health and Human services to review whether drugs can be safely imported from Canada. The FDA continues to express doubts about the practice, however.”

The FDA continues to warn against the purchase of drug from other countries, saying they are unsafe. Other cities will likely follow Boston’s lead, which could have a big impact on the future of American pharmaceutical manufacturers.

"Not only is it good for Boston, but this will send shock waves around the country,'' he told The Boston Globe. "There's a little bit of a difference when a city like Springfield, Mass., does something and when Boston, Mass., does it.''

To read more go to: http://wvgazette.com/section/APNews/News/ap0607n

[Poster]

Senator Kennedy, D-Mass, says the new Medicare laws signed into effect by the President this week don’t go far enough to solve the problem of high prescription drug costs. The Senator introduced his own bill aimed at amending some of the provisions in Bush’s plan. In Kennedy’s proposal, he attempts to begin a Canadian Drug purchasing program and limit the competition between private and federal insurers.

“The more that senior citizens learn what president Bush just signed, the more concerned they are," Kennedy said. "It's a sweetheart deal for insurance companies, a bonanza for pharmaceutical firms and a travesty for senior citizens.”

It will be a bitter fight ahead for the Senator, as Bush’s plan has plenty of Republican backers who are using the new Medicare program as their campaign stands for the upcoming election. The drug import issue is a major one that will likely continue to resurface. Kennedy wants the ability to import drugs while the Bush Administration favors American pharmaceutical companies.

“Kennedy has proposed beneficiaries pay 75 percent co-insurance in the coverage gap from 2006 to 2008, followed by 50 percent beginning in 2009, and then 25 percent in 2012.”

To read more go to: http://www.thetranscript.com/Stories/0,1413,103~9054~1821572,00.html

[Poster]

The head of AARP announced Wednesday, that the association’s support of the new Medicare legislation was not a political endorsement for the President. The organization says it’s decision to support the bill was the best choice for it’s members.

“William Novelli, the head of AARP, said Wednesday that his organization's controversial decision to endorse the Medicare bill represented a political "realignment" for the group and warned that neither party should take the elderly's vote for granted next November.”

AARP says it’s top priority was to ensure a working prescription drug program, that would most benefit it’s 35 million members. Company insiders say it was a battle to reach their final decision, but are convinced they voted as their members would.

"This was very hard for us. There was a lot of discussion, debate and heat on both sides of the aisle -- both directed to us and at us -- and we felt we acted not just honorably, but we think intelligently, in trying to work through what our members wanted and what was feasible."The thing you have to realize... is that you are not going to get perfect legislation out of this Congress. What you'll get, if anything, is compromise."

To read more go to: http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/content/auto/epaper/editions/thursday/news_f37d5fea56b0d1e3004a.html

[mickeythuy]

I have a question:

More recently on the Medicare front, Congress has just approved a prescription drug benefit for Medicare. For $35 a month, beneficiaries can enroll in a private plan administering the benefit. The new benefit covers 75% of drug costs up to $2250 per year (after a $250 deductible) and will begin in 2006. Coverage would then stop until the resident spends $3600 out of pocket. Medicare would pay 95% of the cost after that. The bill also includes $86 billion in tax breaks and subsidies to employers to encourage them to retain retiree drug plans and $14 billion to encourage insurers to offer the benefit. The program is expected to cost $400 billion over 10 years.

a) Evaluate the pros and cons of this proposal on the basis of cost, quality, access and equity.

b) Would you advise a Medicare recipient to enroll in this benefit? Why or why not.

[Poster]

The legislation signed into law this week, doesn’t only provide more federal funds for prescription drugs. It will also increase the amount of federal money allotted for hospitals to treat for Medicare patients. But not every hospital will receive funding. Only critical access hospitals will see an increase in funding.

“Doctors who treat Medicare patients also will get a bump in their reimbursements. Though just 1.5 percent, it’s better than the 4.5 percent cut that had been planned prior to the legislation. Doctors, however, say the hike doesn’t come close to offsetting their skyrocketing practice costs fully.”

Many doctors say that while an increase is welcome, it still isn’t substantial enough to cover their costs. The good news is that smaller hospitals now have the opportunity to apply for critical access status, so they may receive funding in the future.

“Previously, Medicare would calculate the rate of inflation, then subtract from that a certain amount to reflect improvements in productivity and other factors, to come up with inflationary adjustments to its reimbursement payment schedule. Under the new law, hospitals will get the full inflationary “update” as long they submit quality-assurance data to the government, Sauer says. Critical-access hospitals aren’t included in that change since they already get 100 percent reimbursement of costs.”

To read more go to: http://www.spokanejournal.com/spokane_id=article&sub=1812

[peggy]

I hear all this low income rubbish!! and I have not heard anyone complain about the fact that to qualify as low income, one cannot have more than $4000.00 in savings and or mutual funds and or stocks!!!! Thats the guide lines they use to see if one qualifies for assistance, if you are unable to pay for Medicare part B. And I for one do not want to be "persuaded" into joining an HMO,I was in a kaiser program, and was that ever a nightmare!! You needed to be able to diagnos yourself or have a pretty good idea what was wrong b4 you went to see one of those Drs.??? I would rather go to a vet,b4 I would join an HMO. I am really afraid this bill is going to be a disaster. I am a healthy new 65 year old and I better darn sure stay that way, as traditional Medicare is not all that great,but I think this new bill will be worse

[admin]

The new sweeping Medicare reform legislation authorizes the federal government to monitor prescription drug prices. Until the Medicare prescription drug program takes full effect in 2006, the government will approve cards issued by private companies that will allow Medicare recipients to receive a discount on their prescription drugs. The purchases made by these cards will be monitored to ensure the drugs are not overpriced.

“The Medicare agency said that to avoid price gouging and "bait and switch" tactics, it would monitor changes in drug prices… Sponsors of the new drug cards will have to report drug prices to the government and post them on Web sites. Timothy Trysla, a Medicare official, said that if a company lured people with low prices and then charged much higher prices, Medicare could revoke its endorsement, freeze enrollment or impose fines.”

To learn more go here: http://www.starbanner.com/apps/pbcs...1017/FEATURES01

[admin]

The debate on the new Medicare bill has focused on the prescription drug component. However, there are many other costs associated with the new legislation. These costs, along with increasing federal deficits and a large group of boomers ready to retire, has, in the eyes of one expert, worsened the financial condition of the Social Security system.


"We're taking a Medicare system that's in severe financial trouble, and we're putting it in worse trouble," said Thomas Saving, an economics professor at Texas A&M University and one of six trustees for the Social Security and Medicare trust funds. "We'll have to come to grips with that."

Read article http://www.dfw.com/mld/startelegram/news/local/7489940.htm

[Poster]

American seniors are looking to other countries such as Canada to provide them with better healthcare than what they’ll get with the new Medicare program. There are many issues at hand, including how those covered by both Medicare and Medicaid will be handled The main concern is the what medications will be covered now that the law is in effect.

“But some say the law does more to help the young, rich and healthy than it does to help a big chunk of the Medicare population. And some are disappointed that the law didn't reach out to undocumented immigrants who need preventive care.”

“If a patient's drug is not on the formulary -- the list of drugs approved for these programs -- the patient may have difficulty obtaining it or face high costs."Some of the dually eligible will end up better off, and some will end up worse off," said Diane Archer, an advocate with the Medicare Rights Center in Washington, D.C. "It will depend on what's available to them now through Medicaid."

Older Americans are also worried that they will miss out on free samples distributed by pharmaceutical companies. Many seniors rely on these handouts to tide them over until they can afford to buy more medication.

To read more go to: http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/7495248.htm

[peggy]

I'm not getting answer to my question regarding qualifying for low income,is it not true that one cannot have more than $4000.00 in ones savings account????

[Poster]

We have contacted CMS, a portion of HHS, and they stated that there is no one answer to your question because it varies from state to state. We recommend that you contact your state medicare agency and they will be able to help with you with your question.

[Poster]

The insurer announced plans to offer a premium free program for eligible seniors living in Philadelphia and several other Pennsylvania counties. Health officials say the new Medicare legislation makes federal funding available to offer the program. Independence Blue Cross will be able to give seniors more options and better care than they were receiving with just Medicare coverage.

“The return of IBC's new "zero-premium" product will once again make comprehensive health insurance available to thousands of Philadelphia seniors who currently have no coverage other than original Medicare. Keystone 65 Value has less than half of the out-of-pocket costs of original Medicare, and provides added benefits such as wellness programs and vision and dental benefits.”

The new no premium plan will keep costs down and offer coverage that was unavailable before the legislation went into effect. That program is set to kickoff in March of 2004. Philadelphia health officials say seniors lobbied for a better system and this will be a great improvement over the old one.

“There is no question that these initiatives address a very serious need for residents of Philadelphia and the suburbs," DiBona said. "As the insurer for half of all the Medicare beneficiaries in this region, we have seen first-hand how much seniors value their health insurance, as well as the impact of rising medical costs on their ability to afford that coverage.”

To read more go to: http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/031216/phtu017_1.html

[peggy]

I don't care what Philly calls it or what color they paint it,ITS STILL AN HMO!!! one gets the bottom of the barrel Drs. and they still get bonuses for not treating people properly!!! The Senators and congressmen, aren't bean counters when it comes to their health care package and their salaries, and we the people pay for it,so I think they can come up with a better package then this poor excuss, brcause believe me when someone really need the care,they either won't refer you or it's not covered,We need to wake up and send this Senators and Congrssmen packing with their $15,000.00 a month salaries,and their health plans!!!

[Poster]

The United Federation of Teachers says the new Medicare program is not going to benefit seniors the way the government made everyone believe. The organization also says that AARP’s endorsement of the program was in fact, not representative of its members, but a political move to ensure its survival.

“The new Medicare law could leave the AARP toothless and the elderly upstaged by business lobbies,” is an extended account of the history of AARP and its effectiveness or ineffectiveness, in representing senior interests. It concludes that while the political fallout of this shameful bill is not yet known, “We can be sure that a lot is at stake — from the credibility of AARP to the balance between the political parties, to the political leverage of senior citizens.”

The Federation is encouraging seniors to write Congress and band together with other advocacy organizations to have the law reversed as they did in 1988. It asserts that once Americans realize how they have been duped by their lawmakers and the President there will be a nationwide backlash.

“While acknowledging that passage of the bill now makes the job harder, Alliance President George Kourpias insists, “all is not lost. When seniors realize that they have been betrayed by the very lawmakers they helped elect, the public outcry will reach every corner of this country, and then we’ll see how fast members of Congress can act when their jobs are at stake.”

To read more go to: http://www.uft.org/?fid=201&tf=1141&nart=1190

[Poster]

Next year the state of Texas expects to hold on to an extra $1.7 billion it would have spent on prescription drugs for seniors. The Medicare reform will switch a great deal of fiscal burden from Texas onto the fed’s shoulders.

“Reimbursements for ambulance service will increase, particularly in rural areas with low population densities, where the distances covered by ambulances typically are longer. Also, the per-mile rate for all trips longer than 50 miles increases by 25 percent in rural and urban areas, according to the legislation.”

While the increases in funding is greatly appreciated, the red tape involved could spell big trouble for public health officials. They say there will be plenty of confusion for providers and patients until all the kinks are worked out. The most daunting task will be calculating the exact amount of money allotted for ambulance service.

“But what this all means for budget writers remains unknown, said Julia Lothrop, of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. "We don't have any state-specific estimate at this point because the ambulance provisions are so complex that it will take considerable time and resources to implement them," she said.”

“Two-thirds of the funding for undocumented immigrants will be divided among the 50 states and the District of Columbia, based on their relative populations of such immigrants. The remaining funding goes to Texas and the five other states with the largest number of undocumented immigrants, with the amounts based on the number of apprehensions in each of those states, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.”

To learn more go to: http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/news/7520390.htm

[Poster]

Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist says the media has misinformed seniors about the new Medicare coverage plan. Frist, a physician told a group of doctors at the University of Tennessee Medical center that seniors will most definitely benefit from the prescription program and greater coverage. He says that the plan will work, and wants the media to talk more about the ways coverage will improve.

‘‘We need to do a better job — politicians and the media — to really point out that seniors are getting a gift of $400 billion in the most powerful tool that medicine has — prescription drugs — that they don’t have access to today.’’

Frist cited better choices in providers and more money for small hospitals and practices as two of the biggest advantages. However, he says that now the country must take on the issue of the uninsured, and how they will be covered by the federal government.

‘‘To me it is the single greatest problem that we have in health care today,’’ he said. ‘‘The 40 million uninsured is increasing at a rate that is unacceptable.”

“Frist said he has talked with President Bush and congressional leaders about the issue and expects ‘‘very specific’’ recommendations in six months from a U.S. Senate task force.”

Now the only question is, where is the funding for the uninsured going to come from, now that the Fed is dishing out $400 billion for Medicare?

To read more go to: http://reviewappeal.midsouthnews.com/news.ez?viewStory=16201

[peggy]

Well Senate Majority Leader,I certainly hope you are correct about this plan,but I really have my doubts and I'm not getting my info entirely from the media,I have had managed care and it stinks, one does not get anything free, so don't tell me the Seniors are getting a gift of 400 billion,when this thing gets into full swing there is going to have so many holes in it,it will leak like a siv!!If I had my way Medicare should not have been passed in the first place, it isn't the governments place to "take care of us"but you all treat us like children,God helps those who help themselves!!! and I wish the Senators and congress people would quit dipping into the general fund for their outrageous salaries,expense accounts and their healthcare,free up some of that money and you wouldn't be giving us a gift of 400 billion

[admin]

The AARP has caught considerable criticism for its support of the new Medicare prescription drug legislation. But a major newspaper who has a considerable senior readership, takes a different view.

"Leaders of AARP, the nation’s largest seniors organization, have taken a beating in recent weeks from many of their members, and from their traditional liberal allies. That’s because the group — courageously, in our view — supported Republican legislation that not only expands Medicare to include a prescription drug benefit, but also cautiously reforms the federal old-age health insurance program."


"Traditional behavior for AARP was to push blindly for increases in senior entitlements, never mind who really needs the benefits and never mind the impact on the budget — or indeed on the health of the entitlement programs themselves.

That attitude still prevails among this bill’s critics, which helps explain their sense of betrayal over AARP’s new approach."


Read article http://www.news-press.com/news/opinion/031220edit1.html

[Poster]

The Medicare law was signed, the federal funds are already being divvied up among the states, but somebody forgot to explain just how all these reforms are going to work, exactly. Lawmakers and AARP have been swamped with calls and letter from seniors asking how in the heck does this affect them as an individual? No one wants the laws to be misinterpreted, so both Republicans and Democrats are racing to explain the reforms in their own terminology.

“The Health and Human Services Department is working on a letter from Secretary Tommy Thompson to older people next month to explain the law. In addition, HHS officials are being made available to Republican lawmakers for public meetings on the law, said Greg Crist, a spokesman for House Republicans.”

"They have heard a lot of Medi-scare rhetoric about being forced out of Medicare and losing prescription drug benefits they already have," Gingrey said. "It has been an educational task of mine to make sure they understand the truth as opposed to the rhetoric."

AARP has posted information on its website to explain the reforms, but for seniors who don’t have access to the internet, the organization is taking phone calls. The number one question is how prescription drug coverage will be affected when the laws go into effect next year.

“AARP also says older people will not be able to purchase supplemental insurance to offset their deductibles and drug copayments when the new Medicare drug benefit begins in 2006. But at a briefing for reporters to explain the legislation, Republican congressional aides who helped draft the legislation said insurers could offer such enhanced benefits.”

To read more go to: http://www.local6.com/news/2720278/detail.html

[Poster]

The governor of Illinois is boasting of a new drug import program that would make cheaper Canadian medications available to state residents. But, did he forget that the FDA already banned his proposal a few months ago when he pitched it the first time? The FDA stands by its claim that imported drugs are unsafe, and should not be used. The agency continue to back its policy with evidence of mislabeled and counterfeit prescription pills delivered from other countries.

"Importation is a gimmick and it is not a solution to a difficult problem,'' said Pitts. He added, "We feel they are following a dangerous path that leads to unapproved, possibly counterfeit, mislabeled, expired, improperly package, illegal, unsafe medications.''

Following the lead of other state officials around the country Blagojevich plans to keep pushing his idea for providing cheaper medications to Illinois residents. The governor says he prefers not to go to court over the matter, and wants to work with the fed to establish a better drug system for the insured.

"I refuse to believe that an idea that is as sound as this, to address a need that is as important as this, is going to be dismissed summarily by some spokesperson or bureaucrat,'' Blagojevich said. He also dodged a question about whether he would turn to the courts to fight for the program, saying he preferred to work with the federal government -- not against it. ''My preference is to avoid lawsuits,'' Blagojevich said.”

To read more go to: http://www.suntimes.com/output/news/cst-nws-drugs23.html

[Poster]

Although prescription drug coverage has been getting all the attention in the Medicare debate, the issue of HSA’s or Health Savings accounts is now coming to light. As of January 1st, employees will be able to contribute pre-tax dollars to a spending account they can use until they retire. These accounts will likely draw controversy over the beneficial and negative aspects of their use.

“But critics say HSAs, because they're connected with low-cost, high-deductible insurance plans, will lure only younger, healthier participants, driving up costs for everyone else. They also are worried that the HSAs will prompt employers to drop more conventional health care plans in favor of high-deductible options that aren't right for all workers.”

"Employers of necessity are shifting more of the cost to employees. To the extent employers are doing that, if they included this HSA into their plan, that is a better vehicle for employees than other options they have."

To read more go to: http://goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20031224/BUSINESS05/112240275

[admin]

Two Democratic members of Congress claim that the new prescription drug act has serious consequences for lower income Americans. This statement is contested by others.

"Both Kennedy and Langevin concluded by saying that everybody will be effected by this bill, but not as much as lower income Americans who are eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. This bill will make changes in the Medicaid system so that their out-of-pocket expenses will be higher and their access to needed drugs will be reduced. The agreement also reinstates the assets test and lowers the income eligibility level. As a result, over 28,000 Medicaid beneficiaries in Rhode Island will pay more for the prescription drugs they need under this bill."

Read article http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=10709446&BRD=1720&PAG=461&dept_id=74554&rfi=6

[admin]

The Federal government is stepping up its efforts to curb the importation of drugs from Canada.

"Proponents of reciprocation, including both Democrats and Republicans, plan to step up pressure in Congress early next year for legislation that would lift the FDA restrictions.
Although the administration has done nothing until recently to stem the tide of drugs coming from Canada, its response to the states is consistent with its longstanding view that the federal government must halt any distribution of prescription drugs that could jeopardize the safety of Americans."

Read article http://www.sptimes.com/2003/12/27/Worldandnation/Policy_a_prescription.shtml

The advocates of these arguments may be missing the boat. It is likely that Canada will curtail the export of drugs due to possible drug shortages resulting from a clamp down on sales to Canada by US manufacturers.

[admin]

The new Medicare act has been under intensive review by many older employees in fear that the firm they work for will reduce their drug benefits.

"The federal government would pay the employers 28 percent of the drug costs for a retiree in an employer-sponsored plan, up to $1,330 per retiree in 2006, said Peter Ashkenaz, a Medicare spokesman in Washington.

But there's a catch: While the employer must offer drug coverage that is equal to or better than Medicare's, it could still accept the money and then cut benefits to match what Medicare offers."

Read article http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/news/107252129236431.xml

[Poster]

According to AARP, as seniors are beginning to read and understand the new Medicare legislation, they are becoming increasingly angry and frustrated. The organization is inundated with calls from its members demanding answers, and a repeal of the legislation. AARP reports that 15,000 of it’s members have canceled their membership over the organization’s support of the new laws.

“Among the concerns: Patients will not be guaranteed their desired medications -- only drugs treating their general ailments. Insurers can opt to drop a drug even after the patient is locked into a plan, and need only alert seniors by posting the change on the Internet. Some patients may have a choice only between one free-standing drug plan and an HMO, and the costs could vary widely.”

Another major concern for older Americans is that the new Medicare program mandates that pharmaceutical companies notify patients over the internet when their medication has been discontinued. What about those people who don’t have access to the internet or a computer for that matter? How many senior citizens out there that wouldn’t know how to use the internet even if they had a computer?

“The drug benefit companies need cover only two drugs for each "therapeutic class," or general illness, and could choose the lowest cost or least effective drugs. For example, a patient might desire the popular cholesterol drug Lipitor, but a drug provider might decide only to cover other, less expensive medicines.”

"The more that senior citizens learn about what is in the bill, the more concerned they are. It's a sweetheart deal for insurance companies, a bonanza for pharmaceutical firms, and a travesty for senior citizens," said Kennedy, a Massachusetts Democrat.”

To read more go to: http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2003/12/29/some_sound_alarm_over_drug_laws_fine_print/

[peggy]

WHO is this Lesie Norwalk?????she must be drinking her bath water,an HMO NEVER and I MEAN NEVER would fix any short coming with Medicare, a PPO possibley,but even they are not too whoopy, soooo alot of medicare people are reading the small print huh? No, Congress never passes anything that doesn't have a lot of holes in it, the only thing they are generous with is themselves,this is going to get a hellava lot worse before it gets better and being 65 I might not see the better part!!!!

[Poster]

Although Congress and The President signed off on the new Medicare Reform bill, the Department of Health and Human Services will be responsible for devising a feasible plan that will adhere to the legislation. The biggest task for the agency will be deciding how to handle prescription drug coverage. Those regulations will determine the success or failure of the new plan, as well as the availability of low cost medications.

“If the department doesn't focus all its efforts on developing a program that beneficiaries understand and that meets their needs, our most vulnerable citizens will not sign up for the new benefit and the program will fail.”

Critics worry that HHS may allow “preferred drug lists” that will force patients to settle for medications other than those they normally take. That list will also mean much higher prices for drugs on the list.

“While plans must provide coverage for drugs from each "therapeutic class" (that is, similar drugs that are intended to treat similar medical conditions), the law does not specify that drugs from each class be on the plan's preferred list, nor does it prevent a plan from varying the cost-sharing amounts for its preferred drugs in different classes.”

To read more go to: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A37189-2003Dec28.html

[Poster]

As we have been covering reaction to the new Medicare reforms, the main theme is confusion over how the new system will work. For those who can interpret the complicated language and figure out how it will effect them personally, it could be a great plan. For those older Americans who aren’t able to read all the fine print and qualifications, the road ahead may find them with little or no coverage at all.

“While the AARP stresses that the new plan is voluntary, they neglect to mention a few “voluntary” caveats. While seniors do not necessarily have to sign up for the new coverage, if they do not sign up within the first six months of the enrollment period, a premium penalty will be added of at least one percent per month after that initial period.”

The new plan may not be so great for lower income seniors who fall in between coverage categories. They may actually end up paying more out of pocket costs for prescriptions than they did with the old system. They will also be prevented from buying “Medigap” insurance, which covers whatever Medicare doesn’t.

“Seniors who might have bought “Medigap” coverage under private insurers in order to pay for medicines and treatments not covered in their providers’ formularies (list of covered drugs) will now be unable to do so, as private insurers are strictly forbidden from selling supplemental insurance.
The effect of this will be that seniors will have to closely evaluate each provider’s formulary before committing to a plan.”

For younger Americans the opportunity to invest pre-tax dollars in health savings plan that provide greater flexibility in providers and care. The lesson here is to get as educated as possible on the new laws and how they pertain to you and your dependents.

To learn more go to: http://www.spokesman-recorder.com/News/Article/Article.asp?NewsID=36829&sID=4

[admin]

The new prescription drug act could have a serious adverse impact on retail pharmacies. Small pharmacists claim that the new Act places the primary responsibility on providing drugs to insurance companies who will use means other than pharmacies to distribute drugs.

"It seems to have ended up letting the insurance companies handle things and entices people to get the drugs by mail, something retail pharmacies have been fighting," Boes said."

Read article http://www.aberdeennews.com/mld/aberdeennews/news/7586230.htm

[admin]

Much controversey surrounds AARP support of the Medicare bill.
Read one insider views.

"After weighing all the pros and cons of the legislation, the AARP Board of Directors, a group of volunteer leaders from across the country, decided to support passage of the prescription drug act for one reason and one reason only — it will provide important prescription drug coverage and financial relief for millions of current and future Medicare beneficiaries."

Read article http://wvgazette.com/section/Columns/200401014

[admin]

The new legislation makes coniderable changes in medigap, but at this time, all the details are not known, until the regulations are completed.

"As I read the explanations of the experts, no one yet knows the definitive answers to the questions asked by more informed beneficiaries like Ben Lipson. The future of Medigap is cloudy, as is retiree drug coverage and state programs like New York's Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage. Much depends on former employers and the states."

Read article
http://www.newsday.com/news/health/ny-saul3608933jan03,0,7791734.column?coll=ny-health-headlines

[admin]

AARP support of the bill continues to be controversial.

"MEDICARE OVERHAUL: A Republican-controlled Congress, backed by President Bush, took hold of a signature issue for Democrats, pushing through legislation that will create a new prescription drug benefit for older Americans. But the measure, including huge subsidies for health insurers, drew fire from many critics, pitting factions in each party against one another and sparking outrage among some seniors who saw the AARP's endorsement of the measure as a betrayal."

Read article (http://www.naplesnews.com/npdn/business/article/0,2071,NPDN_14901_2546654,00.html)

[Poster]

While most seniors are still attempting to figure out how their prescription drug coverage will be affected, those with cancer are realizing the plan will. According to the Community Oncology Alliance, the increased prescription benefits are made possible by skimming $12 million dollars off the funding for cancer drugs. What’s worse is that the level of care for cancer patients will be greatly reduced as well. That means, that if a patient’s doctor isn’t receiving enough federal funding, the patient may have to look elsewhere for their drugs and chemotherapy treatments.

“Beginning Friday, the first day doctors' offices were to be open after the the new law went into effect, Medicare reimbursements were reduced by varying amounts, and the reimbursement for administering the cancer drugs could be going down as well. But nobody knows yet by how much, nor do doctors know when they will be notified, Morrison said.”

''We have opened offices so these people can be treated in a community setting because neither Palmerton nor Gnaden Huetten hospitals have infusion centers. These patients would have to travel to Allentown or Bethlehem to get their treatments. It would be a tremendous hardship for them,'' he said.
An infusion center is a room that accommodates a number of patients who sit in recliners while medication is given intravenously.”

Since hospitals will pay reduced prices for cancer drugs they will be able to offer reduced prices for patients. However, critics say that soon enough, hospitals will be overloaded with cancer patients who don’t have a private doctor.

To read more go to: http://www.mcall.com/news/local/all-a1_5cancer.3275605jan04,0,7085888.story?coll=all-newslocal-hed

[peggy]

this Medicare nightmare get more digusting every day as I read new posts!! and we pay these people "and I'm using the word people loosely, as I'm not sure they haven't turned into some alien form" to do this to us, to the tune of $15,000.00 per month!!! We have to be out of our minds to keep letting this happen!!! come on people we have to wake up and do something about this!! I have called my congressperson,and no big surprise that I haven't heard from her, no one seems to know if she is in Florida or Washington,but that willnot stop me from firing e-mails,faxes, or the phone calls. People with cancer need the best support system thats available, believe me when someone on the hill has cancer they will never have to worry about where their treatment will be coming from and if they could get it in the privacy of their own home, they would pass a bill so they could!!!

[Poster]

The state of Florida has developed a new plan, known as Lifesaver RX, to alleviate the increasing costs of prescription drugs for its poorest seniors. But, the plan that was supposed to make medications available at low prices was thwarted by the passage of the new Medicare Reform Bill.

“The proposal would provide discounts of 37 percent to 50 percent on drug prices. That's in addition to the state's Silver Saver plan, which provides monthly subsidies of up to $160 for 51,106 seniors whose income is no more than $10,776 as a single or $14,544 as a couple.”

The plan is in limbo at this point, awaiting approval from the Bush administration. Many Florida lawmakers are still scratching their heads over the fact that Governor Bush’s own brother is stalling the Lifesaver plan that is so desperately needed by low income seniors. For now, seniors expecting reimbursements for their medications will be anxiously awaiting the President’s response.

“The federal delay comes months after Florida Republican leaders testified in the Legislature that they had been assured by federal officials that there would be no problem getting the plan approved.
The setback is all the more embarrassing because lawmakers have relentlessly touted the plan.”

To learn more go to: http://www.theledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20040102/NEWS/401020334/1004

[Poster]

At a recent “listening session”, Senator Feingold voiced his opposition to the Medicare Reform law and says he voted against its passage. He went on to say that the new laws will prohibit the sale of cheaper drugs from other countries like Canada. The Senator would like to see a Canadian Drug Program get underway immediately to benefit seniors.

"There are three important reasons why I voted against this bill: it moves to privatize Medicare, it does nothing to reign in the skyrocketing prices of prescription drugs, and it will make many Wisconsinites worse off than they are now," Feingold said.”

"I want a prescription drug benefit for seniors. They need it and they deserve it. But this bill would do too much harm to the Medicare program, while providing a weak prescription drug benefit to our seniors."

To read more go to:
http://www.gogreenbay.com/page.html?article=123810

[Poster]

Senator Rick Santorum (PA) says he supports the new Medicare reforms, desperately needed by Pennsylvania seniors. The new laws will not only give seniors more choices, it will also provide them with extra coverage when they are admitted to the hospital.

“According to Santorum, the changes will result in more than $100 million to Northeastern Pennsylvania hospitals over the next 10 years and a total of $735 million in higher reimbursements to all hospitals statewide over the next 10 years.”

Santorum also heralded added prescription benefits with lower co-pays and higher reimbursements for medications as a win for seniors.

“The voluntary prescription drug plan includes a $35 a month premium and a $250 a year deductible. Insurance would cover 75 percent of drug expenses up to $2,250. Once beneficiaries spend $3,600 in out-of-pocket expenses, catastrophic insurance would cover 95 percent of drug costs.”

To read more go to: http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=10768982&BRD=2259&PAG=461&dept_id=455154&rfi=6

[peggy]

Well here is another Senator thats brain dead!! Who can afford 35x12=$420+250=$670 per year unless you are indigent,that means less than $6000.00 in a savings account!!! Again the Senator doesn't ever have to worry about Medication, deductibales,co pays, Unless you have been there done that,they don't know squat!!! And as far as reimbursing hospitals more $$$$,is the criteria for entering the hospital going to loosen up or does one still have to be half dead before you are admitted????? All this bill will do is cost me personally more money,money I don't have!!!! They can dice this, slice this,any way they want. When this thing gets into full swing, you people on the hill better run for cover, and if we don't start standing up to you all on the hill, its our fault!!! If you would quit adding so much fat to bills and stop spending $$$$ on half baked bills we would have money. We need to rein you people in and put you on a short leash!!! Please don't keep telling people this Medicare reform is good, it isn't even close!!!!!!

[Poster]

The federal government has issued it’s findings on the rising costs of healthcare coverage and prescription drugs. The study found that due to the ever increasing costs to consumers, the money allocated for Medicare to provide medications and care, won’t be enough.

“The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, at a briefing sponsored by the journal Health Affairs, said that despite enactment last year of the Medicare prescription drug benefit plan, which starts in 2006, the cost of drugs is "likely to outpace" other health care services.”

The report also addresses the rising costs of hospitalization, asserting that although hospitals will gain millions in federal reimbursements, those funds could never fully cover their needs. The inability of the government to control drug prices will also continue to be a major controversy in the coming years.

“The Medicare prescription drug benefit passed by Congress and signed by President Bush last year will give "relatively little" benefit to most Americans, said Mark Pauly, health care systems professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. The new legislation prohibits the government from forcing drug companies to hold down prices, noted Harvard health policy professor Joseph Newhouse. He predicted that as high drug prices continue, Congress would come under increased pressure to drop the prohibition.”

To read more go to: http://www.sacbee.com/content/politics/story/8067715p-9000368c.html

[admin]

A reoccurring complaint about the new Medicare prescription drug bill is that employers will terminate their existing prescription drug plans in favor of the new Medicare act. In other words, even if the new bill provides less coverage than current employee plans, why not terminate them and let the government pick up the tab?

"At the two-hour meeting, called by Rep. Tim Bishop (D-Southampton), who opposed the legislation, senior citizens said they worried that prescription drug plans provided by their employers would be eliminated once the new Medicare bill kicks in. They wanted to know who would be most likely to profit from the legislation."

Read article http://www.newsday.com/business/printedition/ny-bzaarp093618612jan09,0,7456267.story?coll=ny-business-print

[admin]

A growing number of authors are stating that there is a chance that the new Medicare act will be repealed because of opposition from seniors, similar to what happened a number of years ago for catastrophic health insurance. This is not going to happen--why?.

"I don’t think people in rural America are aware how much is in that bill for them,” said Alan Morgan, vice president of governmental affairs for the National Rural Health Association. “It’s the largest increase of federal funds ever going into rural health.”

Read articled http://www.agrinewspubs.com/Main.asp?=SectionID=1&SubSectionID207&ArticleID=6334

[Poster]

The New York Teachers Union is urging its members to lobby their congressional representatives for a rewrite of the Medicare Reform Act. Now that the plan has been passed, people are finally able to understand how they will be affected. For many of New York’s retired, the reforms will decrease their benefits substantially.

"Now that the truth about the law is getting out, people are getting angry," Lubin said. "But we're telling members it's not too late. Democratic congressional leaders are already putting together proposals to rewrite the law. And we expect Medicare to be a hot-button campaign issue in 2004. We need to take back the White House and elect a Congress that will protect workers and retirees."

“The new law threatens seniors' continued right to receive New York's discounted drug benefit called the Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage, or EPIC, which is open to people with annual incomes of $35,000 or less and couples with incomes of $50,000 or less.”

A great number of Americans seem to be unhappy with the reforms set to begin in 2006. If there is enough dissention to the program, Congress may find themselves revisiting this legislation.

To read more go to: http://www.nysut.org/newyorkteacher/2003-2004/040114medicare.html

[Poster]

Now that Congress is in recess, representatives are making their way around their states to discuss the new Medicare Reforms legislation. As noted on this site, the changes in coverage are received differently in each state. In Arkansas, residents find positive and negative benefits to the programs.

“Senator Blanche Lincoln said, "The way we designed this law was to really reach out and provide assistance to the sickest and the neediest in our communities...those who are using an extremely large amount of prescription drugs as well as those who are extremely low income. Arkansas meets that criteria."

"We knew it wasn't going to be perfect, but we had to get started. We've spent ten years as democrats and republicans squabbling over what to do in a perfect prescription drug package through Medicare," said Senator Lincoln.

To learn more go to: http://www.kait8.com/Global/story.asp?S=1595546&nav=0jshK7WJ

[Poster]

At the Iowa caucuses, the democratic candidates are getting vocal about the new Medicare plan early on. They want amended programs that offer more coverage on the government’s tab.

"The problem with health care in America is not just bringing in 43 million Americans who don't have insurance at all," Mr. Kerry has said. "The problem with health care in America is reducing costs for the 163 million Americans who get their health insurance in the workplace, and for the others who get it privately. And what's happening in America is every year the premiums are going up, the co-pays are going up, the deductibles are going up, the benefits are going down, and Americans are just fed up with a system that seems out of control."

“Their support for total repeal has drawn increasing fire from several of their rivals, who say it would be unfair to eliminate the tax cuts for the middle class. But Mr. Gephardt has argued in recent days that his health plan is a better way "to put more money on the kitchen table of middle-class families," stimulating the economy, lowering employees' premiums and providing, for the first time, true health care security.”

The Bush camp says it has no intentions of amending it’s Medicare program, and plans to use it’s victory in Congress as the 2004 campaign platform.

To learn more go to: http://www.starbanner.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20040114/ZNYT02/401140312/1009/BUSINESS

[Poster]

A recent survey released by the Kaiser Family Foundation provides grim predictions on the future of health care, even with the new Medicare Initiative. Increasing coverage costs for seniors over the next few years will lower the value of the new benefits. A separate study conducted by the Institute of Medicine confirmed the health care crisis won’t be cured by the Medicare reforms.

"The situation is dire and expected to worsen," the institute's panel of health policy experts said. "The lack of health insurance for tens of millions of Americans has serious negative consequences and economic costs not only for the uninsured themselves but also for their families, the communities they live in, and the whole country."

“And the survey showed that retirees who retain coverage are facing higher costs: Retiree premiums were increased by 71 percent of employers, and 86 percent said they plan increases within the next three years.”

To learn more go to:http://www.thehollandsentinel.net/stories/011504/bus_011504056.shtml

[Poster]

Several advocacy groups for seniors are undertaking a lengthy task of exposing problems with the new Medicare reforms. They’re angry about increasing drug prices and the government’s plan to ban certain drugs from coverage.

"Republicans have put their feet in cement on this, and their whole success is based on smoke, mirrors, and the politics of confusion," Tony Fransetta, president of the Florida Alliance for Retired Americans, said after the press conference.”

The push to rework the laws, is also based largely on the fact that it seems to favor insurance and pharmaceutical companies, rather than patients.

“Honeyman said the country's priorities are out of whack when it does nothing to lower drug costs but pledges to spend on rebuilding Iraq and exploring space.”

To read more go to: http://www.heraldtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20040116/NEWS/401160399/1060

[Poster]

Congress goes back into session tomorrow, and political analysts agree that Medicare will be a hot topic. Democrats intend to try and push for more Medicare reforms, but Republicans say it will be an effort in futility.

“Still, election-year sessions are not automatic death traps for bills. Some lawmakers say there is a chance for passage of some legislation left over from last year, as well as some voter-pleasing proposals, before the November elections.”

President Bush said he has no intentions of rewriting the Medicare Prescription drug legislation either, so this session could prove to be very exciting.

“Democrats will try to modify the Medicare prescription drug bill that Congress passed last year and to force votes on a number of jobs-related proposals, but they face an uphill fight.”

To read more go to: http://www.detnews.com/2004/politics/0401/19/a05-39262.htm

[Poster]

In a historic effort to retain private insurers as Medicare providers, the federal government has raised it’s offer. President Bush authorized the government’s increase in payments to HMO’s and private insurance companies by 10.6%.

“The administration, trying to enhance competition and efficiency in the Medicare marketplace, wants to triple enrollment in private plans within three years.”

“Leslie Norwalk, acting deputy administrator of the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, predicted that as a result of the increased payments, which take effect March 1, many private plans would return to the Medicare program.”

The Director of Health and Human Services, Tommy Thompson applauds the increases, calling the funding, “An investment in our Seniors.”

To read more go to: http://www.contracostatimes.com/mld/cctimes/news/7751575.htm

[Poster]

The President spoke for the first time last night, about how the new Medicare reforms he enacted will work. Mr. Bush assured Americans that the changes in the plan will give seniors a 50% cut in the cost of medication.

"Our nation's health care system, like our economy, is also in a time of change," Bush said in the latter half of his address.”

Democrats used their response time to counter the President’s claims, saying more reforms are needed, as well as preserving private insurers and developing a drug importation program.

“In his response to the State of the Union address, Senate minority leader Tom Daschle, D-S.D., said the country needs to seriously explore cheaper avenues for prescription drugs. These avenues, he said, should include crossing borders into Canada”.

To learn more go to:
http://www.dailybruin.ucla.edu/news/articles.asp?id=26955

[Poster]

The state is introducing legislation that would implement a Canadian drug purchasing program. But, the plan will likely meet with federal opposition, as other state purchasing plans.

“So far, U.S. Health Secretary Tommy Thompson and the Food and Drug Administration have not approved any exemptions, saying importing Canadian drugs risks consumers' health.”

The medications would only be used for prisoners, but the proposal would need federal approval. While the new Medicare reforms do allow for pharmacists and wholesalers to buy prescription drugs from Canada, the FDA won’t budge on its policy.

“The department buys drugs for the California prison system and youth authority.Prescription drugs in Canada cost less due to a combination of price controls and a favourable exchange rate.”

To read more go to: http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/1074782785216_70191985/?hub=Health

[Poster]

A local forum with U.S. Rep. Rob Simmons, R-2nd District, brought out growing concerns over what the reforms will mean for the middle class. The seniors participating in this meeting, say it will benefit the poor at their expense.

“It's that gap -- the so-called "donut hole" -- that has many seniors wondering just how good a program it really is. The "hole" is the cost of prescriptions for individuals between $2,250 and $5,100. And that is a cost they would have to pay 100 percent of out of their own pocket.”

Seniors also voiced questions about how Medicare’s prescription drug program would alter the state’s low income senior drug benefits.

“Norwalk said it won't have any impact and that her office is working closely with state officials to determine how the state program can be "wrapped around" the Medicare program.”

To read more go to: http://www.norwichbulletin.com/news/stories/20040123/localnews/278889.html

[Poster]

As part of the new Medicare Prescription Drug legislation, disease management programs will be offered to seniors living with diseases like cancer and diabetes._ The idea is to get them into a comprehensive treatment program that will be covered by the government at a cheaper price._

“The company's pitch to insurers is that it can help them lower costs while simultaneously improving patient outcomes and satisfaction by ensuring that they receive the proper care before a more expensive medical problem — such as one requiring a hospital stay — sets in.”

The hope is that these treatment programs will also save the government money if lengthy hospitals stays and emergency room visits can be avoided.

''If you're going to give a drug benefit to seniors, you ought to give them disease management. Because if you just give them drugs, they could be taking too many or they might not be complementary to one another.''

To learn more go to: http://www.tennessean.com/business/companies/archives/04/01/45989200.shtml?Element_ID=45989200

_

[Poster]

Seniors who belong to the Blacksburg, VA chapter of AARP are fighting mad about the new Medicare reforms they say will take benefits away from middle class citizens. The group has drafted a letter to the national directors calling for significant changes to the legislation, as well as the removal of AARP CEO Bill Novelli.

“The board of directors of Blacksburg AARP on Jan. 6 sent a letter to AARP President James Parkel, stating that while they "applaud the good features in the bill such as prescription drug coverage for low-income seniors, catastrophic coverage and new preventative services," the bill was still "badly flawed legislation ... rushed through Congress.”

AARP counters that it did not agree with all the components of the bill, but the greater good won their support.

"What a terrible thing to do to people, but that's what we've got," he said. "AARP had originally hoped for a prescription drug benefit through Medicare, plain and simple. This does not look like a normal health insurance plan. People had to work hard to make it this complicated. AARP would have preferred a straightforward benefit, but we were not getting that, politically. Should AARP have held out? Did they make a mistake? Everyone's entitled to their opinion."

To read more go to: http://www.roanoke.com/roatimes/news/story161708.html

[Poster]

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer (D-New York) says he wants HMO’s to stay in Long Island, and he’s established legislation that will provide them bigger paychecks as the incentive. The senator says that his seniors need better care for a cheaper price and that is exactly what he will provide.

"The HMOs [Health Maintenance Organizations] have said that they need higher reimbursements to come back to Suffolk County because they just can't afford to do business here. Well, we listened and got it done," Schumer said. "When it comes to Medicare HMO money, the government has put up, so the HMOs have one less excuse for not showing up."

“Schumer estimates that after adjustments, HMOs in Suffolk County will receive an average reimbursement increase of about $75 per person per month.”

HMO’s had threatened to leave Long Island, saying Medicare reimbursements were not enough to keep them in business.

To read more go to:http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=10873554&BRD=1776&PAG=461&dept_id=6365&rfi=6

[Poster]

Public Citizen is calling for a full inquiry into whether U.S. Rep. Billy Tauzin (R-La.), violated congressional ethics policies while drafting the recently passed Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage legislation. Tauzin reportedly began employment negotiations with a major pharmaceutical lobbying firm during the formulation of the Medicare reforms package.

“The record size of the PhRMA contract and the fact that the offer became public less than two months after the drug industry scored a major victory with this legislation raises serious questions about whether Rep. Tauzin’s actions were tainted," said Joan Claybrook, Public Citizen’s president. "While Rep. Tauzin was writing the bill, he put out the word that he was retiring from Congress and looking for new work. This doesn’t pass the smell test."

“If Tauzin takes the PhRMA job, that could subvert the House’s "revolving door" policy, which prohibits former members of Congress from directly lobbying their former colleagues for a year after leaving office.”

To read more go to: http://www.commondreams.org/news2004/0128-07.htm

[peggy]

Well,now isn't this cute!!! We need to throw 99.99 percent of the Senators and congressmen out of office,keep the military and send the military after them,I'm telling you,they are legalized crimminals!!!

[Poster]

The Bush administration now says that the new Medicare prescription drug package will cost $130 billion dollars more than expected. The disclosure comes just days before the President is to present his budget request to Congress.

“A White House official said the new estimate reflected "the Medicare actuaries' best estimate of the future cost." The actuaries and White House budget officials often differ with Congressional budget experts, he said.
"Health costs are very volatile," the official said. "It's difficult to predict the behavior of 40 million people in a market that does not now exist."

"The estimate may be surprising to some people, but it's not shocking to me. It just reflects a difference of opinion among actuaries who make different assumptions about the growth of drug spending and enrollment in private plans."

The news is fueling allegations by Democrats that the new laws should be scrapped.

"The news on the Republican Medicare bill gets better and better for drug company profits and H.M.O.'s, and worse and worse for seniors and the Medicare program," said Senator Edward M. Kennedy, Democrat of Massachusetts.”

To read more go to: http://www.timesdaily.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20040130/ZNYT04/401300348/1011

[admin]

The new bill is complex and needs to be understood by beneficiaries. There are some penalties in the bill.

"The Medicare fact sheets don't mention penalties. They say the benefit, beginning in 2006, is voluntary. But Barry says the benefit is voluntary only "in the sense that you don't have to sign up if you don't want to." If you don't sign up when it's offered and later change your mind, the penalty is 1 percent added to your premium for every month of delay for the rest of your days."

Read article http://www.newsday.com/news/health/ny-saul3649245jan31,0,840319.story?coll=ny-health-headlines

[admin]

Much of the debate on the prescription durg act has centered on the "doughnut" the gap in coverage. Another side of the story.
as some contend, is that the nation could not afford the Act in the first place.

"One might ask why, with the nation at war following the worst attack in U.S. history and a struggling economy, the GOP-controlled Congress and president would seek subsidies for one of the wealthiest generations of older people in human history"

Read article: http://www.empirepage.com/guesteds/guesteds224.html

[peggy]

Their are seniors out there that are in need of help,unfortunately their are Mrs. Skinners out there, I just cannot concieve of the term " It 's not perfect,but its a start"!!! but their again, its the mentality of the government, the "government " cannot run much of anything!!!, but your right we cannot afford this!!! it's too big,too complicated and if it's not repealed,there will be an uprising when it gets into full swing,this is the biggest piece of garbage I have seen and I just turned 65 and could use help myself,but not this,my grandchildren will pay a heavy price!!! I was with Bush up until this debacle,even know about Iraq and yet even thou the CIA screwed things up,but if Bush thinks this is a good plan, he's in trouble in my book,this has got to go!!!!

[Poster]

The President will present Congress with his budget plan today, and insideers say he has some explaining to do. Bush is expected to announce that his Medicare reforms will cost an additional $139 billion more than Congressional analysts estimated.

"When President Bush signed the legislation on Dec. 8, the Congressional Budget Office said it would cost $395 billion in the decade from 2004 to 2013. On Thursday, the White House put the cost at $534 billion."

The President says that the prescription drug coverage program needs to be more expansive to help seniors.
"Democrats said Congress should investigate the discrepancy to find out when the administration first realized that the bill might cost far more than the $400 billion sum proposed by Bush early last year."

To read more go to: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2004/02/02/MNG9T4MS641.DTL

[Poster]

Some Pennsylvania seniors are ecstatic over new Medicare provisions that will lower their monthly HMO premiums. When you add on a prescription drug plan, that spells big savings for 147,000 seniors in the region.

“Premiums for other Highmark Medicare HMO plans are coming down, too. The basic plan with no drug benefit is dropping to $20 from $56. The deluxe plan, which includes the drug benefit and expanded services like podiatric and chiropractic service, will be reduced to $100 from $138.”

“The Medicare overhaul adopted by Congress in November called for higher payments to Medicare HMOs in order to reverse the trend of private insurers dropping Medicare plans because costs were rising faster than government reimbursement.”

To learn more go to: http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/dailycourier/news/s_177685.html

[peggy]

I cannot imagine premiums going down!!!but if you want to dream on, so be it.And I still say its an HMO,and it puts traditional Medicare in jeopardy!! I for one do not like managed health care ,as I suspect most people do not either,under traditional Medicare, I can choose what Dr. to see and if I choose to have another opinion, I can do so with out an act of congress,HMO Drs. get a lesser salary and are paid bonuses, for keeping costs down,thats not my Idea of a good Doc!! Most of these Docs cannot function in the real world. This bill has disaster written all over it!! Hey I hope it works for the seniors in Penn., but I wouldn't hold my breath!! And as far as the RX plan goes, just wait till they need a drug thats NOT on the list. or take alot of drugs that will never be on the list, then what??

[Poster]

When President Bush presented his budget to Congress on Monday, he revealed that Medicare costs will exceed the $395 million dollar price tag he sold it for. Experts say that in order to control the nation’s spiraling deficit, Congress may be forced to cut Medicare benefits.

“If the higher White House numbers come true over the next decade, Medicare beneficiaries could face increased out-of-pocket costs to maintain coverage. Medicare cost sharing is now tied to growth in overall spending on the program.”

Senior advocacy groups say this is very bad for older Americans, who shouldn’t have to worry whether or not they will have the proper coverage.

“Congress will be obligated to fund it," Neuman said. "It’s an entitlement. Unless Congress takes action to limit the number of people who would get the benefit or the benefits available to them, then spending follows the individual."

To read more go to: http://www.thedesertsun.com/news/stories2004/national/20040204022603.shtml

[Poster]

At hearings yesterday, legislators accused Tommy Thompson and the Bush Administration of withholding the real price tag for the Medicare bill.

“The bill would not have passed if it were known that it cost $530 billion instead of less than $400 billion. That's just a fact," said Sen. Kent Conrad, D-N.D.”

Thompson says the final costs were reached after last minute amendments to the bill required more calculations.

“The administration's final cost projection was not completed until Dec. 24, two weeks after the president signed the Medicare overhaul, because of expensive last-minute changes to the bill. The congressional estimate, however, was made available before Congress voted in late November.”

To read more go to: http://www.charlotte.com/mld/observer/news/7878752.htm

[Poster]

The National Taxpayers Union drafted a letter to Tommy Thompson requesting a repeal of the new Medicare Reform Bill. The letter also asks the White House to cancel its ad campaign to promote the plan.

“While your "Same Medicare. More Benefits" campaign may be welcomed by politicians running for election in 2004, we can see little public benefit from a campaign beginning two years prior to the commencement of prescription drug insurance.”

“ We believe these belated admissions of the true cost provide one more reason to shut down all HHS advertising efforts.”

To read more go to:
http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewNation.asp?Page=%5CNation%5Carchive%5C200402%5 CNAT20040206b.html

[admin]

Much of the debate on this legislation has centered around its incomplete coverage. Now with the total cost becoming apparent, some citizens are questioning its total cost.

"On behalf of the 350,000-member National Taxpayers Union (NTU), I write to request that the Bush Administration immediately terminate the planned $12.6 million ad campaign on behalf of the forthcoming Medicare prescription drug benefit.

Read article:

http://www.townhall.com/news/politics/200402/NAT20040206b.shtml

[Poster]

The new Medicare legislation will provide millions of dollars to hospitals to increase the level of care for patients. But only certain hospitals qualify, so smaller hospitals will lose out unless they upgrade their facilities before they apply for federal money.

“Critical access hospitals - usually in rural areas - get more Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement in relation to their costs than other hospitals. They need to meet federal requirements dealing with how many beds they have and how their physicians get paid.”

“In addition, the legislation also allowed hospitals more flexibility in how they categorize the 25 beds they're allowed to have. Instead of designating 15 beds for acute care and 10 for other use; now facilities can each operate up to 25 beds for either use.”

Now smaller hospitals will finally have access to better state of the art equipment that could save more lives.

To read more go to: http://www.amarillonet.com/stories/020804/new_medicare.shtml

[Poster]

Seniors in one Pennsylvania community, now have a much better idea of how their state medical coverage will work along with the new Medicare plans. The state intends to offer additional coverage to middle income seniors who’s Medicare doesn’t pay 100%.

“The Montgomery County senator said the Legislature may extend PACE and PACENET coverage to middle-income beneficiaries.”

“She noted that many people who receive prescription drug subsidies as a retirement benefit from their former employers won't be penalized. Medicare will pay employers 28 percent of the cost of their plans to make sure they remain available to the retirees.”

Also explained at the meeting was the fact that Medicare is now focusing on preventative treatment, that will save the government millions. The idea is to prevent illnesses that require surgery and a lengthy hospital stay.

''This is going to be a fundamental shift in how Medicare works,'' she said.

To read more go to: http://www.mcall.com/news/local/all-b1_2medicarefeb10,0,4089754.story?coll=all-newslocal-hed

[Poster]

Republicans are anxious to begin an aggressive marketing campaign to promote the new Medicare program during the upcoming elections. But, strategists are warning candidates not to push the program too hard, or it may cost them.

“In anticipation of an election-year struggle, political strategists also are advising Republicans not to oversell the new law by stressing that the new drug benefit is voluntary and emphasizing that it's only a start toward solving a problem affecting many seniors.”

“Polls and focus groups indicate that even seniors inclined to like the legislation are not impressed by claims that it would add $400 billion for drugs, increase payments to doctors or provide an additional $25 billion for rural health care.”

The polls show that most seniors don’t want their coverage to change, so touting the benefits of the plan could take away votes. Since no one wants to alienate any voter, the heat will really be on now to sway seniors towards acceptance of the new Medicare.

To learn more go to: http://www.wjla.com/news/stories/0204/125394.html

[Poster]

U.S. Rep. Nick Smith has been under scrutiny since the passage of the Medicare Reform Bill, over rumors that he accepted bribes in exchange for his favorable vote. Smith claimed the promise was for $100,000 in campaign funds for his son’s congressional campaign.

“He was promised money for his son’s Congressional campaign in exchange for a vote, reaffirmed Wednesday he was offered “aggressive and substantial” support that he interpreted to include finances.”

“Under federal bribery law, it is illegal if anyone “directly or indirectly, *******ly gives, offers, or promises anything of value to any public official” to influence an official act.”

At this point Smith says he’s angry that those same members threatened his son’s candidacy after he changed his vote.

To read more go to: http://www.detnews.com/2004/politics/0402/12/a01e-62282.htm

[Poster]

Democrats are angry about a new T.V. ad touting the benefits of the new Medicare Reform Bill. Critics say the commercial is nothing more than a campaign prop for the Bush Administration.

“Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson said Thursday he will pull a taxpayer-funded television ad on the new Medicare law from the airwaves if congressional investigators determine it is political.”

Tommy Thompson says he doesn’t believe the ad is political, but he will rely on the suggestion of the GAO before proceeding.

“The 30-second ad, titled ``Same Medicare. More Benefits,'' has prompted strong criticism from Democratic lawmakers and a range of interest groups who say it is a barely disguised commercial for President Bush's re-election campaign.”

To learn more go to: http://www.news-journal.com/news/co...YrOciFUU9bjZHkm!-1652719222?urac=n&urvf=10766843843570.2366439444541324

[admin]

CBS said on Friday that it had stopped running a television advertisement for the new Medicare prescription drug law while Congress investigates its accuracy.

Read article http://www.nytimes.com/2004/02/14/p...&partner=GOOGLE

[admin]

An increasing number of analysts are concerned that the new act will be so costly that the federal government simply can not afford it.

“Growth of prescription drug expenditures is likely to continue at double-digit rates, with U.S. consumers continuing to pay prices higher than those in Canada and Europe,” Gail Shearer, director of health policy analysis for Consumers Union, wrote in a position paper on the new law. “... Instead of requiring private plans to demonstrate cost savings that result in efficiency, the proposal provides additional subsidies to private plans and even allows them to benefit financially from cherry-picking the healthy, perpetuating the shameful history of overpayments that have existed for years.”

Read article http://www.saljournal.com/content/2...splaystory.html

[Poster]

Physicians want a better formula for determining their actual costs to prevent a severe loss of income when the Medicare reforms go into effect.

"The current measure is based on the gross domestic product, which measures growth in the overall economy and does not take into calculation the aging Medicare population, technological innovations or changes in the practice of medicine. The medical needs of our Medicare patients do not wane when the economy slows."

"Congress must act to fix this problem," he said. "Otherwise, Medicare will suffer a decline in access and quality that will be difficult to reverse."

Some physicians groups suggest using a yearly updated system to calculate what percentage update they are entitled to.

To read more go to: http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2003/12/22/gvl11222.htm

[Poster]

Yes, that’s what some crooks are already peddling, even before the legitimate cards have been issued. The scammers call or visit the elderly seeking personal information, in reference to their “Medicare” benefits.

"Someone is fraudulently impersonating or misrepresenting Medicare by telephone and by door-to-door visits to beneficiaries' homes, to discuss the Medicare discount drug program and to obtain personal identifying information from beneficiaries”

"Beneficiaries should not be giving anyone their personal identifying information. Medicare has not begun its enrollment, marketing or outreach process yet for our beneficiaries regarding the prescription discount drug program."

To read more go to: http://www.nytimes.com/2004/02/17/politics/17DRUG.html?ex=1077598800&en=2bf1401243681608&ei=5062&partner=GOOGLE

[Poster]

Now that the true cost estimates for the new Medicare Prescription Drug Program are out on the table, lawmakers may need to make some more adjustments to the plan. One option for savings is to set lower prices for drugs. The other involves allowing the government to purchase cheaper drugs from other countries.

“So why shouldn't Congress do the same for prescription drug prices? The reason is that mistakes with drugs are much harder to correct, primarily because you don't see the consequences for years to come.”

“House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., is among the latest in Congress to call for the federal government to grant itself the right to "negotiate" lower drug prices for seniors.”

To read more go to: http://www.dodgeglobe.com/stories/021804/opi_0218040046.shtml

[Poster]

In order to combat what it calls “reimportation”, the pharmaceutical giant is banning sales of its products to some Canadian companies. Seniors who rely on cheaper drugs that come from Canada, will be in a real bind now.

“But they and others said that the increasingly tense relations between drug companies and Canadian retailers could make it harder for patients in both countries to purchase life-saving prescription medications.”

"Drug companies are far more concerned with protecting their U.S. profits than making sure consumers have access to the life-saving drugs they need," Blagojevich said in a statement yesterday.”

To learn more go to: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A52934-2004Feb18.html

[Poster]

The President will name Mark McClellan, as the new head of Medicare. So far McClellan has been quite popular among both Democrats and Republicans for his work at the FDA.

“McClellan would head the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and oversee implementation of a new law that will expand Medicare to include prescription drug benefits for seniors.”

“Some Senate aides say McClellan is popular both among Republicans and Democrats. "People like him on both sides of the aisle and many lawmakers foresee a fairly quick confirmation," a senior Senate aide said.”

To read more go to: http://wireservice.wired.com/wired/story.asp?section=Breaking&storyId=823628&tw=wn_wire_story

[admin]

The Medicare Act is complex, seniors have many decisions to make.

"The next decision, which wasn't made entirely clear at the panel discussion, would be for seniors to have to decide whether they want to stay in the traditional Medicare program or to select among a group of managed care plans similar in scope to PPOs and HMOs, which they may have avoided before they qualified for Medicare coverage, but which now will afford them drug benefits. Those that stay in traditional Medicare, according to the Concord Coalition, will face a continued spiraling of drug costs and higher premiums. Even the government under the law has announced that within 6 months after enactment of the act enrollees will be notified of changes in rate structure for Medicare. "

Read article http://www.joplinindependent.com/display_article.php/mariwinn1077256653

[admin]

Legislation has been introduced to force the Federal government to bargain with drug companies for lower prices.

"Reports from the inspector general of the Department of Health and Human Services released earlier this month illustrate how much money other government agencies save by being able to bargain. For instance, while Medicare pays an average of 47 cents per milligram of the asthma drug Albuterol for patients treated in doctors' offices, Medicaid pays 17 cents and the VA 5 cents."

Read article http://www.knoxnews.com/kns/politics/article/0,1406,KNS_356_2670928,00.html

[Poster]

The point of creating Health Savings Accounts is to invest pre-tax dollars into a fund that can be used for your healthcare. The government is hoping the investment aspect of program will be an incentive for the self employed and employers to take part.

"You've basically got a high-deductible (health insurance) plan living right next to a savings plan that works like an IRA," said Arlyne Calabrese, an independent insurance agent in Scottsdale. "The purpose is to address the skyrocketing costs of health insurance."

“As with a traditional IRA or a 401(k) plan, contributions made by workers into the health accounts are tax deductible, and earnings grow tax-sheltered. No taxes apply if the money is used for qualified medical costs. Otherwise, ordinary income taxes apply on withdrawals, along with a 10 percent penalty for people under 65.”

To learn more go to: http://www.azcentral.com/business/articles/0223medaccounts23.html

[Poster]

A new Associated Press Poll finds that 1/3 of Americans can’t afford their prescriptions. The topic will likely be a hot issue in this year’s political races.

"This still needs to be dealt with," said Carolyn Keenan, 57, an assistant principal from Gibson Island, Md. "There are a lot of elderly people who do not think they're going to get the help they need."

"(The federal bill) took away a lot of the numbers we were banking on," said Rep. Eileen Cody, D-Seattle, a longtime proponent of prescription-drug reform. State officials are working out how best to offer a discount to the thousands of disabled residents who don't yet qualify for Medicare, Cody said.”

To read more go to: http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/161815_drugs24.html

[Poster]

The governors met with Congress to push for a relaxation of the FDA’s ban on drug imports. Several of the governor’s home states are already planning to import cheaper drugs in order to save money on state run programs.

“Gov. James E. Doyle, a Democrat, announced that he would expand the Wisconsin state government's prescription drug Web site today to include Canadian pharmacies that had passed his state's inspections.”

"The American consumer is being *****ed, and the FDA is driving the getaway car," said Dorgan, who derided FDA "scare tactics" in trying to shut down drug importation.

To read more go to: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/health/bal-bz.drugs25feb25,0,3960932.story?coll=bal-health-headlines

[Poster]

Optimistic supporters of drug importation programs hope so. A major push by the states to create a prescription drug importation program is causing quite a stir on the hill this week. This is an election year after all, and this hot button issue could be decisive for each party.

“As many Democrats argue that President Bush is backing a Constitutional amendment in an attempt to appeal to his conservative base, Sanders said a reversal in the president's opposition to drug re-importation would connect with the Middle America he needs to win a second term.”

"From a political perspective, I think the president might be re-thinking his opposition in light of the fact that an election is coming down the road."

To learn more go to: http://www.reformer.com/Stories/0,1...1980183,00.html

[Poster]

As promised, the state of Wisconsin is offering new and improved ways of helping its residents get cheaper prescription drugs from Canada. A new website for state residents offers links to Canadian pharmacies, and allows visitors to compare prices.

“The site still requires that consumers download the pharmacy order forms and mail them themselves.”

“Doyle said a team of state inspectors visited each pharmacy listed on Wisconsin's site for a day and found the operations were in order and each had provincial licenses in good standing.”

To learn more go to: http://www.twincities.com/mld/pione...sin/8052447.htm

[Poster]

New legislation introduced to Congress is calling for alternative ways to offer cheaper prescriptions and better coverage for Seniors. One of the bills would allow the government to negotiate with pharmaceutical companies for cheaper prices.

“He and Republican Rep. Jo Ann Emerson of Missouri have proposed a bill in the House that would empower the health and human services secretary to negotiate with drug companies on behalf of Medicare subscribers.”

“The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office told Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, a Tennessee Republican, in a letter earlier this year that using private plans to purchase drugs would gain “substantial savings.”

To read more go to: http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/local/8073950.htm

[Poster]

Missouri state leaders are proposing a state funded program to provide enough medical coverage for seniors. The current program doesn’t provide for private prescriptions.

Under the new plan many more seniors would have access to the state’s coverage.

“The state program would be available to individuals 65 and older with incomes between 150 percent and 200 percent of the federal poverty level, which for 2004 would amount to $13,965 to $18,620. The qualifying income would be revised according to the number of people in a household.”

“Kinder and Jacob stressed that their plan will not cost the state any more money. They said the projected $13.9 million cost in the first year would be roughly what the state is spending now for SenioRx, which would expire.”

To read more go to:

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/local/8080021.htm

[Poster]

The state of Maryland has a big fight on its hands to pass a new proposal that would allow the state to purchase cheaper drugs from Canada. The Bush administration and Maryland pharmacists are teaming up to squash the idea.

“Sen. Paul Pinsky, a Prince Georges Democrat, is chief sponsor of the legislation that he says would prevent Maryland residents from "being gouged unmercifully by the pharmaceutical companies." The bill, which has 21 co-sponsors -- two short of a majority in the 47-member Senate -- is scheduled for a public hearing in the Senate Finance Committee this afternoon.”

"Importing foreign price controls essentially penalizes our companies for developing life saving products," wrote John W. Holaday, chairman of the Maryland BioScience Alliance, and Patrick M. Kelly of the Biotechnology Industry Organization. "As with commodities, this is also a matter of fair trade between countries."

To read more go to: http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/business/national/8092665.htm

[Poster]

The state of Mississippi wants to implement a new program that would cover medical expenses not included in Medicare. But critics say the plan won’t do enough to help seniors and low income families get by. The legislation also eliminates the benefits for 65,000 people.

“Barbour said his proposal will save the state at least $130 million to help cover a projected shortfall in Medicaid.”

“We're here to tell our leaders they should be responsive to their constituents. They should not put this burden on the backs of the most vulnerable and sick people in the state. We're here to call on the Legislature not to shortchange Medicaid or CHIP."

To read more go to: http://www.clarionledger.com/news/0403/04/m01.html

[Poster]

Tommy Thompson went before Congress yesterday to explain his appointment of Mark McClellan, to study the rei-mportation process. Thompson continues to cite safety as the main reason for a ban on importing drugs from other countries.

“The ban on imports remains unchanged: Thompson must certify the safety of imported drugs, and he, like his Democratic predecessor, has refused to do so. "I cannot certify that all drugs coming into America are safe," he said. "It's an undue burden on the secretary."

"When Mark McClellan is put in charge of this consideration, it's a stacked jury. He's been the most aggressive public name in stopping reimportation," said Rep. Anne Northup, R-Ky. President Bush has nominated McClellan to lead the federal agency that runs Medicare.”

To read more go to:

http://www.billingsgazette.com/index.php?tl=1&display=rednews/2004/03/04/build/nation/18-canadarx.inc

[Poster]

Now that the prescription drug plan is set to go into effect, citizens and political leaders are calling for cheaper drugs. But, setting prices on pharmaceuticals can be a tricky business.

“For most other parts of Medicare, if the prices paid are too low, access to care is affected or threatened in the near term. But prices can be raised before much, if any, damage occurs. The problem in the pharmaceutical area is that much of the expense occurs years before the drugs come to market.”

“So what's the answer? In the short term, the power of group buying that will be exerted by the Medicare prescription drug plans or the new Medicare Advantage plans should be enough to restrain prices on the drugs most heavily used by senior citizens.”

To read more go to: http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/news/opinion/8122485.htm

[Poster]

Mark McClellan is set to take over as the head of Medicare/ Medicaid Services, but only if he can convince legislators that he’ll seriously consider a drug importation program. In the past, as head of the FDA, McClellan fought hard to prevent legal importation of drugs from Canada.

“McClellan promised to work with lawmakers on the issue, noting that he heads a congressionally mandated task force that already is studying importation. The task force will consider possible safeguards, including limiting the types of drugs that could be imported, McClellan said.”

"The right way to move forward is with a constructive attitude of addressing what additional resources and authorities FDA would need in order to do this safely," McClellan said.”

To read more go to: http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=571&ncid=751&e=1&u=/nm/20040309/hl_nm/health_mcclellan_dc

[Poster]

Presidential hopeful John Kerry is using the heated debate over the cost of prescription drugs to differentiate himself from the President’s Medicare plan. Kerry, who never voted on the bill when it went before Congress, now says he wants a Canadian importation program.

"This president promised us a prescription drug plan that would stop America's seniors from being forced to choose between their medicine and their groceries," he said.

“Kerry also said he'd change a Medicare bill provision that prohibits the government from negotiating lower drug prices on behalf of beneficiaries. "This is a special interest provision that increases pharmaceutical industry profits," says his drug plan, which calls for disclosing excessive profits of pharmacy middlemen that don't get passed on to consumers.”

To learn more go to:

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/1078926150991_71/?hub=Health

[Poster]

Congressional investigators testified that recently aired Medicare commercials are not too biased for TV. Some democrats charged that the ads were being used as political propaganda, and wanted them pulled. Now that the GAO says they are not misleading, the slots will continue to air.

“Tommy Thompson, health and human services secretary, said the GAO "confirmed that the law mandates us to educate seniors and that our ads are not political. ... We feel a great responsibility to make sure seniors understand the new benefits."

“The review was requested by Democratic opponents of the Medicare law. They contended the administration was using $22-million in taxpayer money, including $9.5-million for a widely aired 30-second ad, to boost the president's re-election campaign rather than educate older people.”

To read more go to: http://www.sptimes.com/2004/03/11/Worldandnation/Medicare_ad_campaign_.shtml

[Poster]

The Senate confirmed Mark McClellan this morning, and vowed to formulate legislation for a drug import program. McClellan has agreed to work with lawmakers to develop better safety requirements on drug imports.

“Dorgan also said Frist had agreed to commit to a process that could eventually allow the importation of drugs. In an interview, Frist said he, Dorgan and other senators agreed to develop proposals for the safe importation of drugs, though no timetable was specified.”

“Nearly two hours later, McCain was advising the 40-year-old physician and economist that the administration would be politically wise to recognize the widespread support for importing drugs and giving Medicare the power to negotiate directly with pharmaceutical companies, which the new law expressly prohibits.”

To read more go to: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,114029,00.html

[Poster]

The newly released Medicare commercials featuring president Bush, continue to draw controversy, with critics saying they are too politicized and offer little information. Factor in the introduction of other ads created by interest groups, and it makes a confusing program appear even more complicated.

“Democrats and some senior groups have called the ads taxpayer-funded political ads. An investigation by the General Accounting Office found that the ads have a partisan tone and leave out some information, but don't violate the law.”

“Meanwhile, Families USA kicked off its $500,000 campaign this month with forums and a 13-minute video featuring journalist Walter Cronkite and seniors facing high drug costs. The group plans to distribute 10,000 copies of the video and conduct forums in 20 cities, including Albany, on May 3.”

To read more go to: http://www.newsday.com/news/nationw...lnews-headlines

[Poster]

Richard Foster, the top financial analyst for Medicare, says that he was forced to keep quiet about the real price tag for the bill. Democrats say that’s enough cause to reconsider the bill, but senior Republicans are staunchly opposed to that idea.

“Foster said he believed last June that he would be fired if he responded to lawmakers' requests for information on how much specific provisions of the bill would cost and how the legislation would affect the traditional Medicare program.”

“The nation's top two Democratic lawmakers, Daschle and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of San Francisco, said Friday that Congress should reopen the debate, perhaps first voting to repeal the new law before considering a new version altogether.”

To read more go to: http://www.axisoflogic.com/artman/p...icle_5667.shtml

[Poster]

On the heels of allegations that Medicare officials and the Bush Administration covered up the true costs of the prescription drug program, Tommy Thompson is answering back. The Director of Health and Human Services is launching an investigation into the claims of Richard Foster who says he was ordered to keep quiet or lose his job.

“In a signal that the administration is growing more concerned over bad press surrounding the new Medicare law, Thompson assembled a number of high-level department officials at hSenate Minority Leader Tom Daschle, D-S.D., welcomed news of an investigation into Foster’s claims.

“The American people deserve to know the truth about how this breach of public trust could have occurred,” Daschle said in a statement.

To read more go to: http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com..._15261937.shtml

[Poster]

Since the passage of the new Medicare Prescription Drug legislation, AARP has been in a public relations battle to maintain its image. However, recent allegations compounded with the skyrocketing costs of the program are causing many members to turn away from the organization they once trusted.

“This is more than a spectacle," Novelli said. "It's an embarrassment." And it makes it very hard for AARP to do the job of selling its members -- and other seniors -- on the notion that this bill will be good for them and is not the disaster that presumptive Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry and others claim.”

“But among the quarter of the beneficiaries with an opinion, "the majority are opposed," Novelli said. That is not a comfortable position for the organization that purports to speak for them.”

To read more go to://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A3766-2004Mar18.html

[Poster]

Democrats charge that the former head of Medicare, Thomas Scully violated federal law when he allegedly blocked information on the Medicare bill from Congress. Now they want a full investigation into whether Scully threatened to fire Richard Foster if he admitted the true price tag attached to the bill.

“ I believe these actions by Bush administration officials to block Mr. Foster from providing Congress the true costs of the prescription drug bill clearly break federal law," said Sen. Frank Lautenberg, D-N.J.”

“"The questions that need to be answered are: How many administration officials knew about it, and who in the administration gave the order to conceal the information?"

To read more go to: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/artic...MNG9H5NP951.DTL

[Poster]

The signing of the Medicare Act this past December was a big win for the Bush Administration, so they thought. Instead, the very issue the White House had hoped to be on top of is coming back to haunt them. In fact, it is one of the strongest platforms the Democrat have this election year.

"It's something that's eating away at the credibility of the administration in an election year on a bill that he (Bush) thought was a building block for his re-election," said Stephen Hess, a political analyst for the Brookings Institution, a centrist think tank, and a former aide to President Eisenhower.”

“In addition, the General Accounting Office, the investigative arm of Congress, is examining whether HHS television ads touting the new Medicare law - with pictures of Bush prominent - constitute illegal political propaganda. GAO already has concluded that the ads contain "notable omissions and errors," but its preliminary judgment was that they are legal.”

To read more go to:
http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiheral...cs/8230928.html

[Poster]

Critics of the new Medicare reforms say that while coverage has been expanded for some, others elderly Americans will be forced to look for work to pay for their medicines. To make matters worse, the President has moved to scale back certain Medicare programs to reduce costs. This leaves many seniors with no choice but to find employment to support their medical costs.

“Atkinson said he often meets with widows in their 80s who come to Jobs Etc. for work, unable to afford both food and medicine.

"It's really sad," Atkinson said. "They really can't work, but they've got to have more income."

“Awash in red ink, the White House is scaling back an ambitious Medicaid proposal intended to move poor seniors out of institutional care into home settings. Last year, Bush proposed $1.75 billion over five years but didn't get it. Now he proposes $500 million for that program through 2009. At the same time, many states have cut Medicaid services or are considering doing so.”

To learn more go to: http://www.heraldtribune.com/apps/p.../403220645/1060

[Poster]

Critics of the new Medicare reforms say that while coverage has been expanded for some, others elderly Americans will be forced to look for work to pay for their medicines. To make matters worse, the President has moved to scale back certain Medicare programs to reduce costs. This leaves many seniors with no choice but to find employment to support their medical costs.

“Atkinson said he often meets with widows in their 80s who come to Jobs Etc. for work, unable to afford both food and medicine.

"It's really sad," Atkinson said. "They really can't work, but they've got to have more income."

“Awash in red ink, the White House is scaling back an ambitious Medicaid proposal intended to move poor seniors out of institutional care into home settings. Last year, Bush proposed $1.75 billion over five years but didn't get it. Now he proposes $500 million for that program through 2009. At the same time, many states have cut Medicaid services or are considering doing so.”

To learn more go to: http://www.heraldtribune.com/apps/p.../403220645/1060

[Poster]

A new report suggests that the new Medicare program may run out of cash by 2019. That’s after you factor in the rising costs of health coverage and prescription drugs, along with the number of baby boomers who will begin collecting benefits in the next ten years. Unless some sort of proactive legislation is introduced to correct the flaws in the original, the nation’s aging boomers may be all out of luck.

“The latest numbers demonstrate the need for "timely and effective action to address Medicare's financial challenges," the report said. In just two years, the projected bankruptcy date for Medicare has been advanced from 2030 to 2019.”

“The report provided vivid evidence for experts' predictions that, even more than Social Security, Medicare looms as the primary threat to the federal government's financial stability once the 76 million baby boomers begin their retirements.”

To read more go to: http://www.modbee.com/local/story/8...p-9161975c.html

[Woerner]

3/25/04

Medicare and Obstruction of Justice


Democrats want answers and they want them now. Congressional leaders want the Justice Department to find out if the Bush Administration used more than a few underhanded tactics to push the Medicare Reform bill through.

''Serious crimes may have been committed by Bush administration officials in their efforts to conceal the real cost of their Medicare Prescription Drug bill,'' said Sen. Frank Lautenberg, D-N.J. in a prepared statement. ``Hiding $139 billion in additional costs to the taxpayers so the president can get his flawed Medicare law passed is a breath-taking abuse of power.''

“They also claimed that Foster's allegations may constitute ''obstruction of proceedings before departments, agencies and committees.'' Both violations carry a prison term of up to five years and possible fines.”

To read more go to:
http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/nation/8269966.html

[Woerner]

3/26/04

Foster Testifies He Knew All Along

Richard Foster testified before a congressional panel Wednesday. He accounted that his projections showed the plan would bankrupt in 2019, but was forced to keep it quiet. His estimates forecast the costs of Medicare will skyrocket up into the trillions.

“He told a congressional panel Wednesday that a Bush administration official had threatened to fire him last summer if he revealed to Congress that his projected cost of a White House plan for revamping Medicare far exceeded the $400 billion price tag that the administration hung on the legislation.”

“Their current assessment of Medicare, for example, projects Medicare's "unfunded mandates through the infinite horizon," producing shortfalls measuring in tens of trillions of dollars. "It's our Buzz Lightyear projection: To Infinity and Beyond," Foster joked.”


To read more go to:
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bal-te.bz.foster26mar26,0,7553901.story?coll=bal-home-headlines

[Woerner]

3/28/04

DC’s AccessRx Act

Yes, the District of Columbia is joining in on the fight for lower prescription costs. Local lawmakers want full disclosures on the true costs and their marketing. They also want to know just what’s going on between pharmacies, insurance companies and the pharmaceutical manufacturers.

“If signed by the mayor, the new law, written by council members David A. Catania (R-At Large) and Sandy Allen (D-Ward 8) would use "manufacturer rebates, pharmacy discounts and aggregate purchasing" (and, possibly, Canadian purchasing) to bring down the prices of drugs bought for publicly funded pharmaceutical programs such as Medicaid and the D.C. Health Care Alliance.”

“Mr. Catania points out that a series of lawsuits against these intermediaries, four of whom control the vast majority of the market, have recently alleged that they pocket rebates, inflate drug prices and pay kickbacks to insurers.”

To read more go to: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A32083-2004Mar28.html

[Poster]

Annual disclosure reports show that the companies who now have pricey government contracts to provided discount prescription drugs, spent $65 million to get the bill passed. The assumption is that the biggest spenders won billion dollars contracts, ensuring their financial future.

"This confirms the growing belief among seniors that this legislation is a bonanza for the drug companies, various insurance companies and others who have a commercial stake in this legislation," said Ron Pollack, executive director of Families USA. The advocacy group opposed the Medicare reform bill.”

“The brass ring companies are grabbing for is the $400 billion to
$500 billion Congress and the White House estimate the government will spend for prescription drugs on behalf of Medicare beneficiaries over the next 10 years.”

To read more go to: http://www.coshoctontribune.com/new...ews/175580.html

[Poster]

Maryland lawmakers have drafted legislation that would allow the state to purchase cheaper drugs from Canada. Of, course federal regulators oppose the idea, but other states have already asked for exceptions. The mail-order program would only be available for state insured, Medicaid, and the uninsured.

“The senior citizens in Pipkin's district don't mind paying fair prices for high-quality U.S. prescriptions, but now people "feel like they're being taken advantage of," he said.”

“Maryland's health department could lose the $235 million a year it receives from the federal government for Medicaid if the state implements a program without FDA's permission, state health officials say.”

To read more go to: http://www.thewbalchannel.com/healt...744/detail.html

[Woerner]

o

[Poster]

Medicare gets more confusing by the day it seems. Seniors across the country are signing up for their drug discount cards. But pharmacists warn that all the cards offer different benefits, and seniors need to know exactly what those are before requesting their card. At this point, many companies have not even determined the price of co-pays or reimbursement.

“ People need a lot more information before signing up for anything,” Ouzts said. “Congress has authorized all these companies to offer these cards, but the card companies cannot even tell consumers yet what the co-payments are going to be. Each senior citizen needs to really look at what a specific company can do for them and their drug needs.”

“ Discounts offered will vary from card to card, and from drug to drug. Seniors may find themselves in a position of having to ask their physicians to switch medications to those that are covered by the card they select.”

To read more go to: http://www.clarendontoday.com/Pages/040104/News/pharmacists.html

[Woerner]

Democrats are accusing Republicans of a major cover up, after the White House refused to allow its officials to testify. Leading Democrats wanted to subpoena Doug Badger to determine his involvement in Medicare’s fuzzy math equation last December. Top Republicans also voted not to bring Badger before the committee.

“In party-line votes, the committee defeated proposals to subpoena Doug Badger, an economic adviser to President Bush, and Thomas Scully, who, until December, headed the federal agency that runs the Medicare program.”

"The White House is clearly trying to stonewall, and now senior House Republicans are complicit in that cover-up," said Rep. Charles Rangel of New York, the committee's top Democrat.”

To read more go to: http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/news/1080909050263670.xml

[Poster]

Proposals included in the new Medicare Reform Act, require Medicare to implement an electronic prescribing system by the year 2006. The belief is that the new technology will decrease the number of pharmacy errors, on account of misread handwriting. Doctors worry that the costly new system could invite deception on the part of managed care companies.

"Once established and tested, uniform electronic prescribing standards may be helpful, but it should be up to physicians to decide whether adopting this expensive technology is in the best interest of their patients and practices."

“The groups said the rigid implementation deadline would be an unfunded mandate on physicians, forcing them to purchase untested and expensive systems to comply. Small practices, and in particular those in rural areas, would be hit hardest without the economies of scale to offset implementation costs, they said.”

To read more go to: http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/20...5/gvsa0915.html

[Poster]

Doctors, hospitals, and patients in Oregon agree that the new Medicare Prescription Drug legislation is a big advancement for healthcare in that state. Rural residents will see the highest increases in coverage and reimbursements.

“Additionally, all of the 514,456 Medicare beneficiaries in Oregon will have access to a Medicare prescription drug benefit – for the first time in the history of the Medicare program – beginning in January 2006.”

“In exchange for a monthly premium of $35, seniors who are now paying the full retail price for prescription drugs will be able to cut their drug costs roughly in half. In many cases, they’ll save more than 50 percent on what they pay for their prescription medicines.”

To read more go to: http://www.bend.com/news/ar_view%5E...%5E3D14648.html

[Woerner]

Families USA, a senior advocacy group is launching a major war against the President’s re-election. The organization has recruited Walter Cronkite to narrate it’s video highlighting flaws in the Medicare program. Members say Medicare was nothing more than a freebie for pharmaceuticals and insurance companies.

"Based on the reactions we encountered among seniors, I think this is going to boomerang on the administration,'' said Pollack, who expects the law will actually drive drug prices higher and leave seniors vulnerable to gaps in their prescription drug coverage. "What was clearly designed to be a top issue for getting the senior vote has become an enormous liability.''

“The video was followed by speeches from local health specialists and Brookline's representative in Washington, Democrat Mike Doyle, who called the manner in which the Medicare bill was passed "the most disgusting thing I've seen in 10 years in Congress.''

To read more go to: http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2004/04/05/seniors_skeptical_on_medicare_law/

[Woerner]

Government healthcare representatives are finally making the rounds to inform seniors about the specifics of the their new Medicare coverage. The most popular questions are about prescription cards . One official says the U.S. does not rule out negotiating for lower priced drugs, or a drug trade program with other countries.

“He explained many drug companies were "gaming the system" and getting multiple extensions for their patents.
"Now they will only be allowed one extension," Pearce said. "By encouraging generics, we will bring competitiveness to the pharmaceutical companies.”

"This bill puts drugs into a competitive market," Pearson said. "If the government negotiated drug prices, they could decide what drugs seniors can and cannot take. It's true, drug coverage is expensive; it's true, research and development is expensive; it's true that drug companies get the money, but you are the beneficiaries."

To read more go to: http://www.thedailypress.com/NewsFolder/4.7.2.html

[Woerner]

William D. Novelli, CEO of the AARP, outlined his plans to lobby for seniors’ rights in the new Medicare program. The company will push for the pharmaceuticals to work with the FDA, to ensure drugs are safe and affordable.

“First, we are calling on each pharmaceutical company to limit price increases to no greater than the level of inflation for current drug products. We also urge you to constrain the prices of new drugs, and to use your influence to curtail greater mark-ups throughout the distribution chain to retail.”

The association will also seek a contingency plan from HHS, should the program fail.

“Fourth, while the new Medicare law is designed to achieve substantial discounts through negotiations by the private plans, it is also prudent to provide the secretary of [Health and Human Services] with appropriate negotiating authority in the event that the competitive private purchasing system does not produce the anticipated cost savings.”

To read more go to: http://www.ajc.com/opinion/content/opinion/0404/08equal.html

[Woerner]

Sen. Charles E. Grassley, the Iowa Republican who heads the Senate Finance Committee introduced legislation that would legalize a Canadian drug importation program. Critics worry that imported drugs may be unsafe.

“The new system would allow individuals, pharmacies and wholesalers to buy qualified drugs from foreign exporters who register with the FDA, demonstrate compliance with safety measures and take other steps to verify the safety of their drugs.”

“Senators have introduced similar bills, but the Senate hasn't acted yet. Mr. Grassley's involvement, however, may be a sign that action is possible.”

To read more go to: http://washingtontimes.com/national/20040411-011725-9476r.htm

[Woerner]

Prescription drug discount cards will be available beginning May 3rd, and as many seniors are quickly learning, their choices are numerous. In fact, 28 companies are eligible to market their discount drug program in Florida.

“The Medicare Rights Center, a nonprofit consumer group based inWashington, D.C., continues to advise seniors to shop around -- that the discounts they can get from pharmaceutical manufacturers' programs, or by purchasing medications from Canada, could be lower than what the Medicare card might give them.”

“Some plans will require enrollment fees, others won't. Different cards will cover different drugs and offer different discounts, but beneficiaries can pick only one. And not every pharmacy will accept every card.”
To read more go to: http://www.tcpalm.com/tcp/nation_world_news/article/0,1651,TCP_1022_2799715,00.html

[Woerner]

New ScriptSave Card Covers Everything

We’ve been reporting that each of the discount prescription cards that will be issued next month, offer differing levels of coverage. That coverage also changes from state to state. But now, one company has the right to offer a nationwide discount drug program that is approved by Medicare.

"With 10 million cardholders having our existing card and more than a decade of experience working with millions of seniors, ScriptSave is uniquely qualified to serve as an informational resource about the new cards. Unlike some card providers, the ScriptSave Premier card will not charge an enrollment fee."

“The ScriptSave Premier program is comprehensive, which means that Medicare beneficiaries won't have to switch to a different drug to qualify for a discount. ScriptSave Premier cardholders will be able to fill prescriptions at 95 percent of pharmacy chains, supermarkets, retailers and independent pharmacies, as well as by mail..”

To read more go to:
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040414/law041_1.html

[Woerner]

Analysts project that come November, when the election is over, there could be a major change in Medicare legislation. Costs have already reached $500 billion, and that may result in insurance companies getting less money than they banked on. That is, depending on the election.

“But some policy analysts say the health plans are being overpaid to cover Medicare beneficiaries in comparison with the cost of similar benefits provided to patients covered by the traditional Medicare program. Senator Edward M. Kennedy, Democrat of Massachusetts, introduced legislation last week, the Defense of Medicare Act, that would reduce the plans' payments.”

"I think it really depends on who lives in the White House in 2005 and who controls Congress," said Paul P. Heldman, an analyst with Schwab Soundview Capital Markets.”

To read more go to: http://www.nytimes.com/2004/04/15/business/15place.html?ex=1082606400&en=844dd799bd96d437&ei=5062&partner=GOOGLE

[Woerner]

Merck Chief on Medicare

At a recent Q&A, Raymond Gilmartin, CEO of Merck and Co. spoke on Medicare and how the reforms will affect the future or pharmaceuticals. Gilmartin says this is a tough time for the industry and that legislation to begin an importation program is not the answer. He blames insurance companies and market competition for rising drug prices.

“He said efforts to curtail prices through regulation or importation of drugs from Canada are misguided. They'll only stifle the innovation that has produced the products consumers demand, he said. Rather, Gilmartin pointed to competition among health plans and pharmaceutical companies as the best ways to keep prices down.”

“We're opposed to reimporting drugs from Canada because that is, in effect, importing price controls. Even if you somehow were able to assure the safety, which is very doubtful because of counterfeit drugs and adulterated drugs, there's ample evidence that price controls stifle innovation.”

To read more go to: http://www.contracostatimes.com/mld/cctimes/8446090.html

[Woerner]

Congress To Consider Reimportation Program

Congress will be trying to sort through controversial drug reimportation plans that will ultimately save the government money as well as taxpayer dollars. What many people don’t know is that such programs are already in existence, but the FDA keeps them under tight scrutiny.

“Prodded by election-savvy seniors and the powerful AARP, Congress faces renewed pressure to do something about the high cost of prescription drugs before the November election.”

"Pfizer brings drugs across the border every day," said U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, Michigan's junior senator. "Lipitor (the cholesterol drug) is manufactured in Ireland. We send FDA inspectors to Ireland to check out the plant and to review the supply chain. There's absolutely no reason that same process couldn't be done with Canada."

To read more go to: http://www.mlive.com/news/statewide/index.ssf?/base/news-4/1082059801125730.xml

[Woerner]

Less Benefits For Cancer Patients?


That’s what oncologists are worried about now that Medicare will slash funding for things like cancer drugs and patient support services. Fortunately, Medicare will have the chance to review the proposed cuts, and make changes if necessary.

“Some doctors already are pushing patients from doctors’ offices to hospital-based cancer clinics for treatment, which often means less personalized care and a longer drive for patients who are weak and suffering from nausea and other chemotherapy side effects.”

“Cancer doctors say they also will have to drop extra services such as nutrition counseling, psychological care and experimental drugs that cancer patients often need but are not directly covered by Medicare, if federal Medicare officials don’t change the reimbursement formula.”

To read more go to:
http://www.detnews.com/2004/health/0404/20/a01-128001.htm

[Woerner]

Is There Hope For Reimportation After All?

Today’s bipartisan senate press conference may hold the answer. Senators will announce the introduction of a bipartisan bill that would allow the purchase of Canadian drugs.

“Sens. Tom Daschle, D-S.D.; Byron Dorgan, D-N.D.; Edward Kennedy, D-Mass.; John McCain, R-Ariz.; and Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, have planned a news conference this morning to announce sponsorship of the legislation.”

"If I can't explain my position to my family, then it's time to reconsider," Lott said. "The very idea that Mississippians pay double what someone in Canada does, how do you explain that?"

To read more go to: http://www.indystar.com/articles/7/139938-2247-010.html

[Woerner]

Cheaper Pills = Less Innovation


With the recent congressional calls for cheaper drugs, pharmaceutical companies are scrambling to make a case against the move. One of the biggest arguments the drug giants claim is that lowered prices will discourage investors. Critics of the Medicare reforms say pharmaceuticals aren’t suffering at all.

“Steven Mento, chief executive officer of San Diego-based Idun Pharmaceuticals, said the bills before the state legislature would stifle research on new drugs and discourage venture capitalists from investing in new biotech startups.”

"In the U.S., the drug companies control the prices. By allowing Canadian imports we allow more competition, which is about as free-market as you can get."

To read more go to: http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/business/20040422-9999-1b22biotech.html

[Woerner]

Phizer’s Response to Importation Bill


Phizer’s chief publicly denounced the proposed importation bill introduced by several Senators Wednesday. He says the measure would open the gate for too many counterfeit and unsafe drugs.

“While importing cheaper drugs from Canada ``looks like an easy fix'' for patients, he said, the practice exposes all Americans ``to a rising tide of counterfeit drugs,'' most indistinguishable from legitimate ones.”

“Pfizer's chairman and chief executive Henry McKinnell said the ``importation of medicines across America's borders poses a clear threat to patient safety.''

To read more go to: http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/biz/content/business/ap_story.html/Financial/AP.V0029.AP-Pfizer-Sharehol.html;COXnetJSessionID=AJPgi9ZaKdh2KmKNlkT ZDD9uQEcHi5KaBQO2sHQ82MwqPZdLI5Jp!-1849049220?urac=n&urvf=10827241287260.4754058925390603

[Woerner]

Seniors Take Off the Gloves

Since the passage of the new Medicare Prescription Drug legislation, AARP has been lobbying for change. They want a drug importation program and greater prescription discounts. Hardball tactics may just do the trick.

“In Montana, AARP is pushing for higher tobacco taxes to support pharmacy discounts for low-income Montanans, a preferred drug list to give discounts on the safest and most effective drugs, and for the development of a statewide drug consultation network.”

If the plan is successful it will lead other states to follow suit.

"This will be an aggressive, fully integrated effort in all 50 states," said Bob Bartholomew, state director for AARP Montana. "It will reach from consumers to the courts to Congress, and all is designed to make sure prescription drugs are affordable."

To read more go to: http://www.billingsgazette.com/index.php?id=1&display=rednews/2004/04/25/build/state/40-aarp-drug-program.inc

[Woerner]

Is HHS Obstructing a Congressional Investigation?


House Democrats say the agency is withholding documents that show what the administration’s projections for Medicare. HHS claims the congressional investigators don’t have access to the information.

“Waxman and the other Democrats on the Government Reform panel threatened legal action if the department did not release information about how the administration developed its cost estimate.”

“Democrats contend that the bill would not have passed had a handful of conservatives known of the administration's higher estimate. Republicans say the estimate was not relevant, since Congress relies only on CBO's figures when considering legislation.”

To read more go to: http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0404/042604cdpm2.htm

[Woerner]

State Farm to Offer HSA’s


As part of the new Medicare reforms, HSA’s or health spending accounts will now more widely offered to employees. Although the accounts were made possible by the Medicare reforms bill, those eligible for Medicare coverage will not be able to set up an HAS.

“Consumers can divert premium savings from a qualifying high deductible health plan (HDHP) to a tax-deductible HSA to save funds to pay qualified medical expenses on a tax-free basis.”

“The State Farm Bank Health Savings Account is an account that pays interest and allows check access. Contributions to an HSA may be made by individuals, family members and employers and are tax deductible.”

To read more go to: http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040427/cgtu056_1.html

[Woerner]

Without Employer Insurance Medicare Isn’t Enough

AARP estimates that due to the skyrocketing costs of medical care, as many as 12 million Americans may lose their insurance. That’s because many employers want to trim costs, and that means cutting benefits to older employees. The retirees would still have Medicare coverage, plus co-pay fees and flat prescription prices.

“Over the next three years, 20 percent of companies are very or somewhat likely to terminate their retiree coverage for future hires, while 1 percent is likely to do so for current retirees, the survey said.”

“Still, the AARP and the Older Women's League say removing the age discrimination barrier will persuade more firms to cut benefits for the oldest of their retirees.”

To read more go to: http://cbs.marketwatch.com/news/story.asp?guid=%7B73E4FF52-0929-4932-8AD2-6020D607E675%7D&siteid=google&dist=google

[Woerner]

Canadian Pharmacies Come to R.I.

The Senate has voted to allow Canadian pharmacies with lower prices to open up shop in the state of R.I. The legislation could open the doorway for other states to get a Canadian pharmacy of their very own.

“The Senate on Thursday joined the House of Representatives in giving the OK for Canadian pharmacies to be licensed in Rhode Island.”

“The House and Senate have passed identical but separate bills. Each chamber will now pass the other’s version and send both to Gov. Donald L. Carcieri, who has indicated he is willing to sign the proposal into law once he receives one bill that has passed in both chambers.”

To read more go to: http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=11416761&BRD=1713&PAG=461&dept_id=24491&rfi=6

[Poster]

The American Medical Association is concerned that Congress’s mad dash to a prescription re-importation program will result in unsafe drugs making their way to American patients. They want Congress to wait for a federal task force’s findings on the quality of imported prescriptions before passing any new legislation.

"Prescription drugs should be available at the lowest price possible, but patient safety should remain the first priority, said AMA President Donald J. Palmisano, MD. "Any new drug reimportation law or regulation must assure that these reimported drugs are approved by the FDA for sale to America's patients," he said."

"Public pressure appears to be overcoming both safety concerns and strong opposition from the Bush administration and driving bipartisan agreement in Congress to act on the issue. But the next obstacle could prove more intractable: the politics of supply and demand."

To read more go to :http:// www.ama_assn.org/amednews/2004/05/10/gvsb0510.htm

[Poster]

The drug discount cards that have been causing so much controversy, finally went into effect yesterday. But, HHS is warning Medicare recipients to check the fine print on the discounts offered by their card because prices and the drugs they cover are subject to change. The cards will be used until, 2006 when a completely new plan will be implemented.

"It's important for beneficiaries and their family members to take the time they need to look into all the cards available," said Dr. Mark B. McClellan, who runs the Medicare program.”

“Senior citizens can comparison shop in two ways: They can use the price comparison Web site www.medicare.gov or they can call a special help line, (800) Medicare. Customer service representatives will send callers a personalized comparison of the cards available to them for the drugs they take, Thompson said.”

To read more go to: http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20040504/1043669.asp

[Poster]

After months of staunch opposition, Tommy Thompson announced at a press conference yesterday that a drug import program will soon be a reality. Thompson lent his support to the pending bills in Congress that would create such a program. He also warned that any importation plan will have to include strict drug screening provisions.

“But he warned that such a move would be expensive because regulators, to ensure safety, would have to increase inspections of foreign pharmaceutical plants and packages of prescription drugs entering this country.”

"If we don't get some relief, the federal government is going to make a decision by default and it's going to be a decision against innovation and against the American consumer,"* he said in an interview.”

To read more go to: http://www.trivalleyherald.com/Stories/0,1413,86~10669~2128141,00.html

[Poster]

While most of the big chain pharmacy giants oppose a drug importation program, the chairman of CVS says his company will support it if it means savings for consumers. Mr. Ryan also told a government task force on prescription drug importation that the safety problems with foreign made drugs that the FDA continues to cite, are exaggerated.

"Millions of Americans have already opted to import drugs because they can't afford not to. We owe it to them to face this issue head on and not look the other way," he said.

“Ryan said prescription drugs can be imported safely by licensing foreign companies, using established distributors of pharmaceuticals in this country and selling the drugs through CVS and other pharmacies.”

To read more go to: http://www.southbendtribune.com/sto...airman_says.sto

[Poster]

Medicare issued prescription drug cards went in to effect this week, and not everybody was celebrating. Most seniors are “trying out” the plans they chose, and if they don’t like the coverage or the prices they may switch to a new card next year. Once they get all that figured out it will be another year before the next phase of the plan goes into effect.


“Calls to the toll-free help line 800-Medicare were regularly answered with: "All circuits are currently busy." The www.medicare.gov website raced to keep updated with the lowest prices offered by the approved card companies.”


"My problem is this: You can only have one card, and that particular card may not cover all of your medications, especially if they're made by different pharmaceutical companies," she says. "And it may cover them one time and then, it may not the next time."

To read more go to: http://www.csmonitor.com/2004/0507/p03s01-ussc.html

[Poster]

Senator Snowe R-Maine, has introduced a bill that would create a drug purchasing program with several countries, using American based wholesalers. Snowe believes her bill will allow greater savings because it includes other countries besides Canada. The idea of an importation is gaining so much popularity, it won’t be long before a well established program gets off the ground.

“Congress has approved so-called reimportation on several occasions - with the caveat that the Food and Drug Administration must certify that the imported drugs are safe. Both the Clinton and Bush administrations have refused to certify the drugs because of concerns about faulty packaging and counterfeiting.”

“Snowe said her legislation was drafted with the goal of overcoming any safety concerns. Basically, a Maine patient would still present his or her prescription to a local pharmacist, who is supplied by a regulated wholesaler who imported the drug from another country.”

To read more go to: http://www.pressherald.com/news/state/040509prescripdrugs.shtml

[Poster]

The numbers show that the companies who wrote the largest checks to the Bush campaign, were the winners of the Medicare contracts to provide discount prescription cards. Administration officials vehemently deny that any contracts were awarded based on donations.



“HHS spokesman Bill Pierce said Thompson had "no role whatsoever" with his department's selection of Medicare drug card providers. The companies had to go through "a very long and involved process" to be certified by the department's Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, he said.”



“A handful of the winning companies make up the lion's share of the political spending.
In addition to Merck and Medco, others with seven-figure lobbying expenses in 2003 included: Blue Cross & Blue Shield Association (at least $8.1 million), Aetna (at least $2.9 million), Wellpoint Health Networks (at least $1.5 million), Pacificare ($1.42 million), and UnitedHealthcare Inc. ($1.2 million).”



To read more go to: http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2004/05/11/ap/Headlines/d82g73b00.txt

[Poster]

The new discount cards provide savings for seniors at the drug counter, but many smaller individually owned pharmacies may have a hard time slashing prescription prices. The way the government set up the program, pharmacies are required to help make price cuts possible. Other pharmacists say the cards don’t offer much more of a discount than seniors were already getting.


"As far as I know, most pharmacies, particularly independent pharmacies, have given substantial senior discounts for 30 or 40 years," said Jim Rivkin of Rivkin Pharmacy. In some cases, he said, the discount card fee is just going to be an extra expense for the consumer.”

“Pharmacies honor certain drug cards much like stores honor certain credit cards. Private companies that act as the middleman sponsor the cards, cutting discounts between drug manufacturers and pharmacies.”

To read more go to: http://www.timesrecordnews.com/trn/local_news/article/0,1891,TRN_5784_2873441,00.html

[Poster]

The state of Indiana has a new traveling “show” to inform seniors about how the recent Medicare reforms will impact their benefits. Seniors who don’t have access to the internet and those who do not belong to AARP are having a difficult time understanding the new laws. The state hopes the show will make the road much easier for older residents who may have no idea how their coverage works.

“It was the hope of Blankenship and Paul Severance, Executive Director of the Indiana based United Senior Action, that by educating the public on the problems with the new legislation that a grass roots effort will develop that will force the government to reexamine it.”

“We hope to get our seniors aroused and get them into action,” said Elmer Blankenship, president of the Indiana Alliance for Retired Americans, after presenting a video, hosted by Walter Cronkite, that described the inequities and hidden costs that many senior citizens will face when the prescription drug benefit goes into effect in 2006.”

To read more go to: http://www.post-trib.com/cgi-bin/pto-story/news/z1/05-13-04_z1_news_16.html

[Poster]

Governor Jeb Bush is pushing firms to offer healthcare savings accounts, which he says will provide health insurance for about 3 million uninsured Floridians. A bill that was passed by the Legislature will require health insurance companies to offer these types of plans to small businesses.

"Health savings accounts allow employers to buy high-deductible health insurance policies with lower premiums if they also let employees put pretax money into savings accounts with the money slotted to go for routine health care."

"The accounts are meant to cover routine health care costs and prescription drugs. For hospitalization or catastrophic health care needs, the employee would still have the insurance plan, but the deductible would be high."

To learn more go to: http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/lo...la-news-florida

[Woerner]

Did Anyone Ask Canada About Drug Importation?

American lawmakers are so excited about their plans for importing cheaper drugs from Canada, but we’ve heard little from Canadian authorities on how it would work. A new study to be released today suggests that an importation program would be too much of a strain on Canadian drug supplies.

"The Canadian market is too small to be the answer for this nation's prescription drug pricing and access crisis," says Rep. John Dingell, D-Mich., who wants to change the new Medicare law to allow the government to negotiate lower prices. He and Sen. Norm Coleman, R-Minn., requested the study.”

“The study by Marv Shepherd, director of the Center for Pharmacoeconomic Studies at the university, comes as Congress weighs several proposals that would give U.S. citizens more access to lower-cost drugs from Canada and a short list of other countries.”

To read more go to: http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/health/drugs/2004-05-16-canada-drugs-report_x.htm

[Woerner]

Democrats Want To See the Numbers

Democrats are suing Health and Human Services for the original Medicare cost estimates. They charge that had Congress known the actual costs of the new program it never would have gained approval.

“The suit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, claims Thompson -- through former Medicare administrator Thomas Scully -- violated federal law by ordering the Medicare actuary to not provide the estimates to Congress.”

“The higher estimates could have torpedoed passage of the White House-backed bill because 13 House Republicans had vowed to vote down any bill that exceeded $400 billion.”

To read more go to: http://www.contracostatimes.com/mld/cctimes/news/8692715.htm?1c

[Woerner]

Could AARP Swing The Coming Election ?

Democrats and Republicans are scrambling to gain the support of AARP on differing versions of Medicare reforms, in an effort to gain votes this November. However, it seems the seniors group has a swing vote that easily shifts on issues each party thought they had support on. Democrats are crafting prescription drug legislation, but AARP says it still may not endorse the plan.

“They were counting on AARP to help them enact a drug benefit that President Bush could champion in his re-election bid. Now it seemed that AARP was threatening to hang tough on key issues that the Republicans would have a hard time endorsing.”

“The e-mail indicated that AARP was really willing to settle key issues very easily. "Privately, we are suggesting some fairly moderate ways for handling the biggest issues in an effort to find an agreement that can be passed," wrote Hansen, a former aerospace lobbyist.”

To read more go to: http://www.alternet.org/story.html?StoryID=18719

[Woerner]

Medicare Ads Paid For Illegally

The GAO released its report showing federal funds were used improperly by HHS when it created several promotional videos Medicare. The report called the productions “covert propaganda” for the Bush Administration, using government money. The White House stands by the videos and insists they were not political.

“The Department of Health and Human Services illegally spent federal money on what amounted to covert propaganda by producing videos about the Medicare changes that were made to look like news reports. Portions of the videos, which have been aired by 40 television stations around the country, did not make clear that the announcers were paid by HHS and not real reporters.”

“The GAO decision said the story packages ran afoul of the law forbidding federal spending on covert propaganda because "in each news report, the content was attributed to an individual purporting to be a reporter but actually hired by an HHS subcontractor."

To read more go to: http://www.sltrib.com/2004/May/05202004/nation_w/168233.asp

[Woerner]

Senate Importation Bill

The House has already passed a prescription drug importation plan for purchasing foreign drugs at cheaper prices. Now it’s time for the Senate to do the same. Seniors and AARP support recent legislation that would allow for importation, but some say the laws need to be fine tuned.

“Sen. Judd Gregg (R-N.H.), chairman of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, said he will introduce a measure after the Memorial Day recess.”

“A bipartisan group of senators, including Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) and Olympia Snowe (R-Maine), introduced legislation last month that appears to have some firepower behind it.”

To read more go to: http://www.nynewsday.com/news/health/ny-usdrug213812283may21,0,99992.story?coll=ny-health-headlines

[Woerner]

The Pursuit of California

Pharmaceutical manufacturers are successfully winning growing support from several influential groups who vow to keep the state from importing Canadian drugs. The biggest ally¸ Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, received substantial campaign contributions from drug companies.

“State records show that drug companies have donated $327,000 to the governor's ballot measure and election campaigns, according to the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights.”


“Drug companies have an ally in the Food and Drug Administration, which has been monitoring the wave of state legislation, meeting with governors to warn them that importing drugs without federal approval is illegal, and sponsoring their own informational campaigns.”

To read more go to: http://ktla.trb.com/news/la-me-drugs23may23,0,2691207.story?coll=ktla-news-1

[Woerner]

California Assembly To Vote This Week

The state of California has several bills ready for vote that would open the door to drugs imported from Canada. But critics of the legislation worry cutting prices and importation will discourage new drug development. As we reported yesterday, the pharmaceuticals are launching their own campaign effort aimed at defeating these bills in the California legislature.

"Who else is going to pay for innovation? We spend more in R&D dollars for cancer than any place in the world – do we just walk away from that?" said Stephen Chang, chief executive of San Diego's privately held Astral Therapeutics. "This is about the availability of new drugs and the long-term consequences that importation will introduce."

"We always hoped the federal government would act on this," said Assemblyman Dario Frommer, D-Los Angeles, who authored a bill that would create a state Web site where Californians could shop for licensed Canadian pharmacies. "Now there is a Boston Tea Party kind of rebellion, with an estimated 1 billion Americans already buying medicines from Canada. “

To read more go to: http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/business/20040525-9999-1b25biotech.html

[Woerner]

Drug Prices and the Glass Ceiling

A new study done by AARP and a family advocacy group, shows the price of drugs rising higher than the rate of inflation. The cost of brand name drugs is the highest, and as they continue to go up, they will essentially cancel out whatever drug discount the government offers. The report will no doubt add more fuel for the call for a drug importation program.

"If the price of drugs keeps going up faster than inflation, it will become more and more difficult for consumers, especially older consumers, to be able to afford them," said John Rother, AARP's policy director.”

“However, AARP has been waging a campaign to bring down the cost of drugs, including lobbying for changes in the newly enacted law. Among its proposals are legalizing imports of prescription medicines from Canada, allowing the government to negotiate Medicare drug prices with pharmaceutical companies and getting drug makers to agree to limit price increases to the rate of inflation.”

To read more go to: http://www.thebostonchannel.com/health/3345530/detail.html

[Woerner]

California Assembly Passes Drug Plan

Patient’s concerns won out against the muscle of the pharmaceutical giants in the state of California yesterday when the state assembly voted to allow an importation program with Canada. The question now is whether or not Gov. Schwarzenegger will sign off on the bill. His camp says he is deeply concerned about the price of prescription drugs and is eager to find a solution.
“The bill would set up a Web site that allows Californians to shop for drugs from Canadian pharmacies certified as safe by inspectors from the state Department of Health Services.”
“Assemblyman Ray Haynes, R-Murrieta, said the low cost of the drugs from Canada makes him suspicious of their quality. "You either make a lower quality drug or a less safe drug in order to be able to sell and not go out of business at the lower price," he said.”
To read more go to: http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/business/20040527-9999-1b27drugs.html

[Woerner]

Pharmacies from coast to coast are bracing for the full impact of the new prescription cards on their sales come Tuesday. That’s because they share in the costs that make discounts possible. Big chains won’t feel the same effect as smaller independently owned pharmacies whose main business is filling prescriptions.

“The cards, more than 70 in all, are the first phase of a Medicare revamp scheduled to be completed in 2006. They are sponsored by insurance companies, pharmaceutical manufacturers and pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) across the country, and offer different plans to allow Medicare recipients a discount on prescriptions.”

“The costs for those discounts will be shared among all the cards sponsored, including the insurance companies, federal government and the pharmacies that honor them. For chain drug stores, the effect might not be so apparent, as they can sell other goods to offset the prices.”

To read more go to: http://www.newsenterpriseonline.com/articles/2004/05/28/news/news3.txt

[Woerner]

Medicare Call Centers Overloaded

The new prescription drug cards go into effect today, and Medicare says it has recieved an overwhelming amount of calls requesting help and information. Most callers are having a hard time deciding which card is best for them and what discounts each card offers. Medicare says it is doing its best to cut down hold times and to provide accurate and useful information.

"When the discount cards were introduced in early May, calls to Medicare's information line jumped from fewer than 30,000 to about 400,000 each day. Many callers could not get through.At one point, MCI blocked some calls to protect its network, said Mary Agnes Laureno, a Medicare official who oversees that agency's call centers and Web site."

''This is a benefit that's going to rely a lot on people getting assistance from someone else,'' said Patricia Nemore of the nonprofit Center for Medicare Advocacy. ''It's probably more complicated than the creators of it were aware of.''

To read more go to:http://www.montereyherald.com/mld/montereyherald/business/8808697.html

[Woerner]

House Wants Senate Vote

House representatives want the Senate to make good on its promise to enact an importation program. They want Majority leader Frist to put the vote on the schedule before the July 14th recess.

"I'm pleased that recent movements in the Senate seem to have given new life to the matter. Now it's up to them to keep their promise of moving forward with this legislation."

“We are writing today urging you to schedule a vote on a comprehensive drug importation bill before the July 4th recess, following up on the Senate's commitment to move forward on this issue. Our nation's seniors, and frankly all Americans, deserve a vote on a bi-partisan, market-based bill.”

To read more go to: http://www.oswegodailynews.com/homearticle.asp?id=44159&section=home&network=oswego

[Woerner]

Democrats Call Prescription Cards a Disaster

After only one day the Democrats are already calling the discount drug cards a failure. They cite limited drug coverage and high prices as fodder for implementing an importation program.

“Yesterday, Democrats called the cards a disaster and said the program has yet to show real savings compared to Canadian pharmacies or the VA, which is allowed by law to negotiate prices.”

“Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) criticized the administration for opposing re-importation and lifting the ban on Medicare to negotiate. "Instead we've saddled our seniors with a confusing game of cards," Clinton said. "It's a true Trojan Horse without Brad Pitt."

To read more go to: http://www.nynewsday.com/news/health/ny-usmedi033830525jun03,0,5946485.story?coll=ny-health-headlines

[Woerner]

R.I. Seniors Protected By State Oversight

Now that the Senate has given the ok, seniors who use up their Medicare benefits will be able to get additional benefits from the state. The program is designed to save money for Rhode Island and its senior residents. RIPAE has become so popular that many seniors decided to make it their primary insurer.

“Roberts explained, Medicare and private insurance would cover prescription medications up to a certain dollar amount and the Rhode Island Prescription Assistance for the Elderly program, or RIPAE, would pick up when that coverage was exhausted.”

"With passage of this legislation," Fogarty said, "we are one step closer to closing a coverage gap that has left some seniors without coverage for drugs they need and resulted in higher costs for the state."

To read more go to: http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=11854446&BRD=1712&PAG=461&dept_id=478996&rfi=6

[Woerner]

Importation or Recycling ?

Which will it be? If Sen. Gregg’s bill passes pharmaceuticals would retain the power to cut off drug supplies to countries that resell to the U.S. Sen. Kennedy has introduced a bipartisan bill that would strip drug companies' legal right to limit stock to foreign manufacturers.

"The Gregg bill is not aggressive enough to deal with the mischief that the pharmaceutical companies might do to Canada and other countries in terms of limiting their supplies," said Republican Representative Gil Gutknecht of Minnesota, a prime sponsor of importation legislation in the House, which passed a bill last year only to see it buried in the Senate.”

"As prices grow more outrageous every day, it's clear that Republicans can't stonewall the importation of cheaper prescription drugs much longer," Kennedy said in a statement. "I am increasingly hopeful that the Senate will pass drug importation by the end of the month."

To read more go to: http://www.boston.com/business/globe/articles/2004/06/05/senate_battle_looms_over_drug_imports/

[Woerner]

Doctor’s Pay and Medicare

The issue of the new prescription drug cards will prompt many Americans who normally wouldn’t schedule a doctor’s visit, to go. That means more business for doctors, but without a raise for the next 10 years. Doctors now have the support of a few legislators who are asking CMS to reset the pay level based on extra services.

“Sens. Charles Grassley (R, Iowa) and Max Baucus (D, Mont.) have urged the Bush administration to consider the ripple effect of the Medicare reform bill in calculating the physician payment update.”

“The letter said current projections indicate that physicians will not see a positive Medicare update until 2014, at which point payments would be almost 40% lower than in 2005.”

To read more go to: http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2004/06/14/gvbf0614.htm

[Woerner]

3 Million Drug Cards

A record three million Americans will be accessing their Medicare benefits through their new prescription drug cards. The problem is that without detailed information about how each program works, seniors may still pay too much for prescriptions.

“Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, the committee chairman, went even further. "The drug discount card program has been the target of a deliberate campaign to discredit it and confuse seniors about how it works," Grassley said.”

“Sen. Kent Conrad, D-N.D., introduced legislation Tuesday to require the administration to reduce the number of cards available to three for each region of the country, require card sponsors to keep discounts at least as deep as they were when a client signed up and prohibit sponsors from dropping medicines.”

To read more go to: http://www.tallahassee.com/mld/tallahassee/news/8873070.htm

[Woerner]

Texas Cares For Seniors

The state of Texas has a new website to help seniors figure out how to use their new prescription drug cards. The site also offers information on how to use the Medicare website that many seniors are having trouble understanding.

“Texas Cares, http://www.txcares.org, was designed "to help older Texans get information that may help them obtain their prescription drugs," Crocker said. The new Web site is part of the Texas Department on Aging initiative.”

“From legislators to professionals to Web sites – the resources to aid older Texans have more access to prescription drugs are out there, Crocker said.”

To read more go to: http://agnews.tamu.edu/dailynews/stories/CFAM/Jun0904a.htm

[Woerner]

AARP Unleashes “The Watchdog”

We’ve been reporting that AARP is getting down and dirty in the fight for seniors’ rights. Now, the association is vowing to use its new newsletter to publicize information about the politics of Medicare. Watchdog will focus specifically on the high cost of drugs and their success rate.

“Through Watchdog, Rother says, "we hope to keep pressure on the industry so it will act responsibly.”

“And we want to track the drug industry's political contributions and see whether those are having an impact on congressional decisions."

To read more go to: http://www.aarp.org/bulletin/prescription/Articles/a2004-06-10-watchdog.html

[Woerner]

Bush On Medicare

President Bush travels to Missouri this week to talk to voters about Medicare and discount prescription drug cards. Confusion over the new programs could spell trouble for Bush during an election year. The administration hopes the trip will re-secure faith in the President’s reforms.

"You are not in a good political position if you have to go out and explain your program because people don't understand it," says Merle Black, a political scientist at Emory University in Atlanta.”

“Bush will promote a new program that could give him a political boost if it helps seniors cut their drug costs. But so far, seniors don't seem to be embracing it.”

To read more go to: http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2004-06-13-bush-trip-usat_x.htm

[Woerner]

Medicare: A Big Election Issue


The President used his trip to Missouri yesterday, to build support for the new Medicare discount drug program and convince more seniors to register. On the other side of the fence, Democrats know that this is a very important voting issue this election year. They’re hoping confusion over the way the plan works will hurt Bush’s re-election campaign.

"The reason we're here is to share information. We're trying to fight through the clutter, the noise, so that people can understand that there is a great opportunity to take advantage of a good piece of legislation," Bush told a crowd in Missouri, a crucial swing state. "Keep putting the word out. This is a program that helps people."

"If the big story this summer is that no one is signing up then that bodes poorly for the permanent plan in 2006," he said. "Then the Congress and the president have not delivered on their promise, and that becomes an election issue."

To read more go to: http://www.nynewsday.com/news/nationworld/nation/ny-usmedi133851201jun15,0,6099583.story?coll=ny-nationalnews-headlines

[Woerner]

AARP For Importation

A spokesman for the association announced Tuesday, that AARP will back the McCain/ Kennedy importation bill. The group has always advocated cheaper drug prices for seniors, but their support of this legislation is crucial to getting it passed.

“CNN reported AARP spokesman Steve Hahn said the group will endorse a bill sponsored by Sens. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., and John McCain, R-Ariz”

“Announcement last week by the Department of Agriculture that poor seniors could lose some of their food stamp benefits if they sign up for a $600 drug credit.”

To read more go to: http://washingtontimes.com/upi-breaking/20040615-091848-6503r.htm

[Woerner]

AARP’s Importation Campaign

AARP is pushing Congress to approve the controversial drug importation program that will save its members millions on drugs. The association plans to launch a major ad campaign promoting the legislation, as well a massive grass roots campaign.

“The bill endorsed by AARP would permit imports from Canada, the European Union, Switzerland and Japan. Springfield, Mass., said it saved $2.8 million in the last year by buying from Canada for its workers and pensioners.”

"Importation is already happening on a large scale," AARP Chief Executive Bill Novelli said at a Washington news conference. "We must ensure that there is a system in place for guaranteeing safety and cost savings."

To read more go to: http://www.freep.com/news/health/aarp17e_20040617.htm

[Woerner]

Daschle Endorses Importation Bill

Sen. Tom Daschle, D-S.D., gave his approval this morning, to the controversial importation bill backed by AARP earlier in the week. Although Daschle disagrees with AARP over the new prescription drug discount cards, they do agree on providing lower drug costs for the elderly. According to the new importation legislation, the FDA would be responsible for ensuring the safety of the foreign drugs.

“The bill would allow people to get 90-day supplies of medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration from Canada at cheaper prices than they can in the United States.”

“In the Senate, Daschle said, the reimportation bill has broad bipartisan support. "There is no doubt in my mind there will be a vote (on the bill) this session of Congress," he said. The proposal should pass the Senate.”

To read more go to: http://www.aberdeennews.com/mld/aberdeennews/news/8954494.htm

[Woerner]

AARP Informational Series

Due to growing misunderstanding over the new drug discount programs and available Medicare coverage, AARP is touring the country, educating seniors about how it works. Representatives will also speak to seniors about how they like their new benefits, and the November election.

“That confusion is why leaders from the state AARP have been traveling the state to explain the law and how its drug-discount cards will work. They will be in St. Cloud on Thursday at Whitney Senior Center.”

“AARP officials will talk about that gap at the forum, McDonough said. They'll also talk about the Medicare law in general, buying prescription drugs from foreign countries and the coming election.”

To read more go to: http://miva.sctimes.com/miva/cgi-bin/miva?CMN/Local/read.mv+20040621034621+1+

[Woerner]

Medicare A,B,C &D

As we all know by now, the new Medicare program is perplexing to say the least. AARP has already begun touring the country to educate seniors on how the new benefits work.. Now, another group is also taking on the task of helping seniors get prescription comparisons on-line.

“There's always a way out of the maze, but, without help, most seniors would take a lot of wrong turns. It's part of his job to help them find the most efficient route through the maze. His HICAP office sees nearly 2,000 persons a year, individually and through seminars. He personally handles about 60 calls a week.”

“Bob Petty, the program manager at the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP), told me that Medicare issues are so complex seniors are often confused by them. He was quick to point out this was not a rap on seniors, "anyone at any age would be confused by the changes new legislation brings about."

To read more go to: http://www.montereyherald.com/mld/montereyherald/living/8982484.htm

[Woerner]

Congress Demands Answers

Congressional leaders drafted a letter to the President, reiterating their call for the truth on Medicare. They want to know why cost information was withheld until after the bill passed. They also ask what the President’s personal knowledge of the bill was prior to its inception.

“The withholding of the Medicare cost estimates undermines the integrity of the legislative process. We will be derelict in our constitutional duties if we continue to overlook such a serious abuse."

“We are writing to request that you respond to these letters by providing complete answers to the straightforward questions the Senators raised about your role in this important Medicare issue.”

To read more go to: http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040622/dctu058_1.html

[Woerner]

Price Control Battle Begins

A new report from Ernst and Young projects federally mandated price control to force the pharmaceuticals to lower their costs. Since the Fed will be footing the bill for millions of seniors’ meds, it will surely demand price cuts to reduce the national debt.

“Devitt called for "a combination of initiatives to lower prices in the United States over time and increase prices outside the country. In this way, the burden of cost will be redistributed evenly across all industrialized nations," he said in the report.”

"Unless the pharmaceutical industry takes steps within its own ranks to effect an alternative solution, U.S. price controls, reimportation, or both seen inevitable,"

To read more go to: http://maconareaonline.com/news.asp?id=7321

[Woerner]

A Drug Lottery?

The White House unveiled a new experimental drug lottery program for more than 50,000 seniors. The participants will be the guinea pigs for the new drug benefit that starts in 2006.

“The government, Mr. Thompson said, will select participants at random from the pool of applicants, alternating between cancer patients and those with other serious diseases.”

"Through this coverage," he said, "seniors will save thousands of dollars on essential medicines that they can take at home." Moreover, he said, all applicants who meet the eligibility criteria "will have an equal chance to get into the demonstration" if they apply by Sept. 30.”

To read more go to: http://www.wilmingtonstar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20040625/ZNYT04/406250359/1010/STATE

[Woerner]

Cities Save Big on Imports

Despite FDA warnings, one Massachusetts town has saved itself $ 3 million dollars by importing Canadian drugs for state retirees. The city of Boston is following in Springfield’s footsteps. Boston begins its own importation deal next month.

“Thomas McGinnis, the FDA's director of pharmacy affairs, said the agency has warned Springfield to stop its importation program and has sent warning letters to CanaRx Services to stop selling drugs to Americans.”

“To save $6 million next year, the city hopes to enroll at least two-thirds of the 10,000 employees, retirees, and family members in its insurance program who regularly take a prescription drug.”

To read more go to: http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2004/06/26/city_finds_a_cure_in_drug_imports/

[Woerner]

Will Importation Scare Off Investors?

The State of Rhode Island is carefully weighing that question as they seek to save money on imported drugs. Critics say the state will end up losing money because investors will shy away from such programs.

"The investment community has said over and over, why would they take the risk in a state that is not friendly to biotechnology?”

"is that we may end up with the worst of all worlds: We would have the stigma of being perceived as anti-biotech without actually having ultimately the benefit of lower drug costs for our citizens."

To read more go to: http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?BRD=1712&dept_id=24361&newsid=12134628&PAG=461&rfi=9

[Woerner]

Feingold Amendment?

U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold has announced he is submitting new legislation that he hopes will cure Medicare of its new ills. His plan would allow Medicare to bargain for lower prescription drug prices. It would also lower payments for seniors.

"I want a prescription drug benefit for our seniors. They need it and they deserve it.”

“There are three reasons I voted against this bill: it moves to privatize Medicare, it does nothing to reign in the skyrocketing prices of prescription drugs.”

To read more go to: http://www.ironwooddailyglobe.com/0629fein.htm

[Woerner]

Prescription Prices 3X Inflation

That’s right, the pharmaceuticals jacked up the costs for prescription drugs to three times the rate of inflation this year. The government and seniors thought they’d be saving money, but manufacturers will win out in the end.

"Manufacturers are offsetting discounts with prices that are higher than they otherwise would have been," Rother said at a news conference held by the 35 million-member seniors' group.”

“Bristol-Myers spokesman Rob Hutchison said the company spends an average of $800 million on each new drug it develops. "The prices of our innovative medicines reflect the research needed to discover and develop them," he said.”

To read more go to: http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/94-07012004-324768.html

[Woerner]

AARP Reaction To Price Hike

The seniors group has vowed to monitor all aspects of the new Medicare, and a new report proves just how important that job is. The study finds that pharmaceuticals hiked up their prices just before the new prescription drug benefit began.

"Manufacturers are offsetting discounts with prices that are higher than they otherwise would have been," Rother said at a news conference held by the 35-million-member seniors’ group.”

"It’s disappointing that prices jumped after the legislation was signed, after they had assurances that they’d have a broader market to sell to," AARP policy director John Rother said. “

To read more go to: http://www.columbiatribune.com/2004/Jul/20040701News021.asp

[Woerner]

Republicans Split On Importation

President Bush adamantly opposes a Canadian drug Importation program, citing safety concerns. Several Republican party members who are also up for election this November have decided to promote importation as one of their campaign platforms. The worst news is these are battlegound states that could upset the Republican majority in Congress.

"Support for drug importation may help decide many of the 19 so- called battleground states, such as Florida and Ohio, which the Bush and Kerry campaigns say will decide the election. Control of Congress is also at stake, with the Republicans seeking to retain a 51-48 majority in the Senate."

"Members of Congress who vote representing the interests of their constituents are members of Congress who are re-elected,'' she said. ``We want members re-elected.''


To read more go to:http://quote.bloomberg.com/apps/new...tU&refer=canada

[Poster]

A new report from HHS shows that while the Bush administration didn’t actually break any laws, it did conceal the actual cost of Medicare. The ethics of the administration continue to come under heavy fire by Democrats who charge that threatening to fire Richard Foster was against the law.

“Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., said Tuesday: "The IG's report describes the extraordinary deception of Bush administration officials to cover up the true costs of the Medicare bill. What they did was clearly wrong by any definition."

"We hope that with the release of this report we can put behind us the political squabbling and move on to the important work of implementing the new law," HHS spokesman Bill Pierce said.”

To read more go to: http://abcnews.go.com/wire/Politics/ap20040707_433.html

[Poster]

In order to gain favor with lawmakers implementing price restrictions, Pfizer has decided to provide discounted drugs for 43 million uninsured Americans. Families and other low income earners will see the biggest savings.



“The move by Pfizer, which said it knows of no other program as large for the uninsured, comes as lawmakers consider allowing states and individuals to import drugs from Canada.”



“Pfizer will be able to assess the impact of the program on its earnings in about six months, Karen Katen, president of Pfizer's global pharmaceuticals business, said.”



To read more go to: http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/business/article/0,1299,DRMN_4_3019709,00.html

[Poster]

The American Medical Association is taking a stand against a few key components of the new Medicare Reforms. They say switching patients to cheaper drugs could cause adverse reactions in some patients. The Association also opposes any importation programs.



“ In addition, patients should not be switched to various drugs because of changes in the formulary, particularly if they are stable on one regimen.”



“Also, to ease a patient's access to cheaper or even free medications, the AMA will urge pharmaceutical companies to create a uniform application process for their drug assistance programs.”



To read more go to: http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2004/07/12/hlsd0712.htm

[Poster]

Florida’s senior population made such a fuss over the shutdown of 12 companies who provide cheaper Canadian meds, the state has now changed its mind. Florida health officials have decided to assist the pharmacies in the Florida licensing process. While it is illegal to purchase foreign drugs, the FDA has made it clear they will not prosecute individuals who do so.


“We never go after the individual, we go after the commercial operations trying to make money off importing these illegal drugs,”


“One Lee County storefront alone serves more than 2,000 customers, the owner said, and there are at least four other similar businesses here.”


To read more go to: http://www.news-press.com/news/local_state/040704drugs.html

[Poster]

Legislators will vote this week on two bills that could have a big impact on any importation plan. The Agriculture bill would make it easier to get Canadian imports, but the Australian Free Trade treaty would exercise price controls on Australian drugs. That essentially would negate the United States’ ability to get cheaper meds from Australia.



“An agriculture spending bill currently has a provision opening the way for imports by preventing the Food and Drug Administration from blocking purchases of FDA-approved drugs from Canada and other countries.”

“The treaty also includes the U.S. law that gives patent holders the right to control sales of their product in the United States by making that law a part of the treaty.”



To read more go to: http://abcnews.go.com/wire/Politics/ap20040713_64.html

[Poster]

A new survey released by AARP Wednesday, shows that four out of five seniors want a drug importation program in the U.S. The association plans to take their findings to Congress to push a new importation bill through as quickly as possible.


“AARP is rallying around a bipartisan bill - sponsored by Sens. Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, and Byron Dorgan, D-N.D. - that would set up a certification process for legally importing medicines from selected nations with government drug standards similar to those of the United States.”


"Canada has been used as a Post Office Box for medicine manufactured in other nations like South Africa, where one in five medicines has been found to be counterfeit," said Court Rosen, spokesman for the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America.”


To read more go to: http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/mld/myrtlebeachonline/news/nation/9154756.htm

[Woerner]

Phizer Profits Hold Steady

Phizer just released its second quarter earnings which show that the pharmaceutical's earnings remain unchanged by the recent Medicare drug benefit. Ananlysts report Phizer's drugs are performing well and are expected to increase income potential in the next few years.

"Our performance was strong despite these factors. Through restraint in spending, our 2004 bottom line will be unaffected. And going forward our expectations remain robust," Ms. Katen said."

"Pfizer's financial results in the second quarter reflect the Company's fundamental soundness and resilience in the face of dynamic market conditions," said Hank McKinnell, chairman and chief executive officer."

To read morw go to: http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040721/nyw090_1.html

[Woerner]

Medicare and Social Security

Democrats now say that there should be a cap on drug costs based on increased cost of living standards. Even though doctors visits won't increase in price, the cost of prescriptions could decrease the amount of monthly social security checks.

"They warn that a large increase in prescription drug costs could wipe out much of the cost-of-living adjustment that seniors get -- and could reduce the size of their Social Security check."

"Congressional Democrats are calling it a "sneak attack on Social Security benefits."

To read more go to:http://www.wstm.com/Global/story.asp?S=2071338

[Woerner]

Boston to Save $1 Million On Imports

The city of Boston began its importation program this week in order to beat the rising costs of prescription drugs here in the U.S.
There are close to 50 meds available at discount rates and the Canadian provider guarantees their quality and safety.

"About 14,000 city workers, retirees and dependents enrolled in the Blue Cross and Blue Shield health plan are eligible for the voluntary Meds By Mail program."

"We are pursuing importation as a way to help city of Boston workers and retirees access vital prescription drugs at affordable prices."

To read more go to: http://www.baltimoresun.com/feature...ealth-headlines

[Woerner]

Pharmacy Benefit Managers

Pharmacy Benefits Managers are the people who decide on claims and create benefits scales for precsription drugs. But there is growing concern about how these people will affect Medicare benefits in 2006. Several major PBM's are currently under investigatiion for shady business practices.

"PBMs have arisen as a market force at a time when high prescription drug costs are increasingly becoming a concern for patients and physicians."

"The largest pharmacy benefit manager, Medco Health Solutions, recently agreed to pay close to $30 million to settle charges brought by 20 state attorneys general that the company switched patients' medications without their knowledge and then pocketed the savings."

To read more go to: http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/20...02/gvsa0802.htm

[Woerner]

Non Liquid Assets Won't Diminish Coverage

Medicare is still fine tuning its policies to make sure low income seniors will recieve ample benefits. Some worried that their heirlooms and insurance would exclude them from prescription drug coverage.

"The administration agreed and proposed to count as assets mainly bank accounts, retirement savings and real estate other than a beneficiary's home."


"Nonliquid assets are not going to be counted," Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson said."

To read more go to:http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/n...004-337804.html

[Woerner]

Medicare Cuts Cancer Funds

The government says it pays too much for cancer drugs administered in doctor's offices, up to 90% more, in fact. New cutbacks designed to save the government $530 million, means many cancer specialists won't be able to afford their own practice anymore. Docotors say they'll be forced to refer their patients to the hospital for treatment.

"The law called for tying reimbursements for chemotherapy drugs more closely to the price doctors, pay rather than the listed wholesale price. Doctors pay less than that price because drug companies give them substantial discounts."

"While doctors acknowledge they have been overpaid for the drugs, they maintain they have been underpaid for their practice expenses -- such as nurses, equipment and treatment rooms."

To read more go to:http://www.detnews.com/2004/health/...alth-224811.htm

[Woerner]

Obsesity: A Treatable Disease?

An announcement made earlier this month by HHS Sec. Tommy Thompson has sparked a new debate over the cost of medicare. Thompson says the agency is close to declaring obesity as a disease. Translation: Medicare will be paying for treatment of overweight Americans to get skinny.

"Supporters of Medicare expansion might say prescription drugs and obesity treatments are part of the “healing miracle of modern medicine,” and therefore should be covered."

"Medicare’s decision to consider covering obesity treatments “further moves the private matter of weight out of the realm of personal responsibility and into the realm of ‘public health,’” he says."

To read more go to:http://www.metnews.com/articles/2004/affairs072804.htm

[Woerner]

Moran Calls For Repeal of Prescription Law

U.S. Rep. James P. Moran (D-8th) recently spoke with seniors in his home state about how their prescription coverage will be very different than other states. He's calling fir a recall of the Prescription benefit plan that will cost Virginian seniors almost 80% of the actual drug costs.

"Discount drug costs are increasing so much that, in the end, this program will not be of much benefit," Moran said."

"Under this bill, we will, for the first time since the institution of Medicare, have people paying different premiums," Moran said. "I'd just as soon repeal the whole legislation." This brought forth applause from the audience of seniors."

To read more go to:http://www.connectionnewspapers.com...aper=72&cat=104

[Woerner]

Medicare Doesn't Save Much

Yet another Congressional survey finds that the high costs of prescription drugs essentially nullify any savings seniors expected to see on their medications. The results are fuel for the debate over importation and negotiating lower prices with pharmaceuticals.

"The so-called drug discount cards have been a flop, and under this flawed law, Wal-Mart has more bargaining power to seek lower prices than the federal government."

"Instead of relying on these cheap discount cards, plastic gimmicks," Israel said, "this report proves that the government ought to just allow for safe re-importation."

To read more go to:http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?...t_id=6365&rfi=6

[Woerner]

Social Security: Is It Enough For RXs?

Democrats say no. In fact, they worry that seniors' annual increase in social security benefits won't match the rising costs of prescription drugs. Even with Medicare benefits, skyrocketing drug prices may mean many seniors will be worse off than before.

"Democrats have found that the Republican-written prescription drug benefit, signed into law last year and scheduled to take effect in 2006, has no premium caps tied to Social Security COLAs."

"Of the many problems with the Republican drug bill, this is one of the worst. It's a back-door scheme that will decimate the Social Security COLAs of millions of Americans," said Senate Democratic leader Tom Daschle of South Dakota."

To read more go to: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/he...ealth-headlines

[Woerner]

Smith Loses GOP Primary

Brad Smith lost his chance for Michigan's congressional seat yesterday when Former state Sen. Joe Schwarz won the Republican primary. Smith's father accused Republicans of bribing him for his vote on Medicare. The payoff would have been his son's assured victory in this election.

"The controversy may have helped Brad Smith of Somerset Township. His decision to also oppose the drug bill won praise from limited-government conservatives, who invested heavily in his campaign. "

"In comments soon after the vote, Smith said GOP House leaders offered to arrange financial support for his son's campaign in exchange for his support of the bill, which passed anyway. He later said he misspoke."

To read more go to: http://www.freep.com/news/politics/cong4_20040804.htm

[Woerner]

HICAP Helps Seniors

A new program in California is helping seniors unravel their complex Medicare benefits and find low cost prescription medications. HICAP is composed of health care advocates and retirees who sit down with patients to expalin what they are entitled to and where to get affordable care.

"There are other ways to get discounts that are cheaper -- and I mean much cheaper -- but many people have no one to help them through the maze."

"Counseling seniors about what Medicare Plan D will look like in 2006 is more difficult; advocates say it will almost certainly change shape between now and then."

To read more go to:http://www.sanmateocountytimes.com/...2315641,00.html

[Woerner]

Get As Much As You Can

U.S. Rep. Max Sandlin, D-TX is speaking to his constituents on the new drug discount cards offered by Medicare. He calls the new reforms pitiful, and urges seniors to get informend about available programs.

"This Medicare plan doesn't do much for most, but if you can get anything from it, we want you to," Sandlin said at Liberty Hall."

"And I say "we," but (the legislation) was written, bought and paid for for the pharmaceutical companies. It is an embarrassment that it was passed and a slap in the face of senior citizens. It is a pitiful piece of legislation."

To read more go to:http://www.lufkindailynews.com/news....3948.5421.html

[Woerner]

Medicaid Extends Its Arm

Mississippi residents have a new friend on their side. Medicaid workers will be contacting residents to help them navigate the maze of gap coverage. The intention is to get seniors the best care at the cheapest price available.


"Case workers will walk recipients through the application process and send them the forms, ready for a signature. In some cases, the recipients also may need to get a doctor's signature."


"Barbour proposed the changes to help make the cash-strapped Medicaid program more financially stable."

To read more go to:http://www.picayuneitem.com/article.../04medicaid.txt

[Woerner]

FDA Warns Against Imports for Maryland

For the first time the FDA is asking one Maryland county not to commence with its drug importation program. According to FDA officials, the agency will send a written warning to the county pending a Congressional decision on importation. The FDA continues to cite safety concerns as the biggest obstacle to importation.

“A report drafted for the Montgomery County Council in April concluded the county could save as much as $15 million each year by importing the cheaper drugs.”

“That includes a recent proposal by the Montgomery council to introduce a prescription drug card that would allow low-income county residents to save between 15 percent to 30 percent off the full price of drugs made in the United States.”

To read more go to: http://www.duluthsuperior.com/mld/d...ior/9248281.htm

[Woerner]

HHS Unveils New Prescription Plan

Apparently the cries of seniors have been heard by the Bush administration, which recently announced its brand new prescription drug benefit plan. The plan, set to begin in 2006, is designed to help all Medicare beneficiaries despite income level. Although the plan relies on insurance companies to negotiate cheaper costs, employers say it will save them considerably when it comes to retirees.

“The new drug benefit "will help make (prescription drug costs) much more predictable," U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson said.”

“McClellan said the savings should help limit "the kind of dropping of retiree coverage that has happened so much over the past decade" and save firms about $600 to $800 per retiree.”

To read more go to: http://wireservice.wired.com/wired/...w=wn_wire_story

[Woerner]

Kerry Supports Importation

John Kerry has been making the campaign rounds speaking out against Medicare. Despite the fact that he abstained his votes during much of the new Medicare's creation, he slams the president for opposing an importation program. Kerry says he'll make drug importation a top priority if elected.

"Mr. Kerry's focus on the issue came as his campaign began what it called an intense effort to court the elderly, a critical constituency in the election, the day after an independent poll showed that signing the Medicare bill in December had not given the president a lift among older voters."

"Mr. Kerry skipped the vote on final passage of the bill, but he and his running mate, Senator John Edwards of North Carolina, both left the campaign trail during the Democratic primaries to speak out against the bill on the Senate floor as part of a failed filibuster."

To read more go to:http://nytimes.com/2004/08/12/polit...gn/12kerry.html

[Woerner]

Jail Time For Seniors?

That's exactly what a 66 year old Phoenix man received for traveling to Mexico to buy prescription medications for a cheaper price. Importation rules are a bit stricter in Mexico than Canada, which may explain why there are more arrests than at the Canadian border.

"Theoretically, if you have a prescription, it's legal in Mexico to buy them. But we have a lot of situations where we have people in jail right now for buying prescription drugs. And some think it's because they just didn't pay the right bribe."

"And when occasionally Mexico decides to enforce things, someone walks out of the door of a pharmacy and gets arrested."

To read more go to:http://www.usatoday.com/news/health...ion-drugs_x.htm

[Woerner]

Price Controls You Say ?

The state of West Virginia is considering implementing price controls on prescription drugs to cut millions of dollars from the state budget. Lawmakers there are also considering buying meds in bulk or in conjunction with other states who are trying to control costs. The pharmaceuticals are staunchly opposed, of course, arguing that innovation will suffer if prices drop.

"The time is right," said Dan Foster, a Democratic state representative in West Virginia. "People are really angry with the pharmaceutical companies. You can see it with the Medicare drug bill. There is much more pressure to bear than it was a year ago."

"The council is also considering requiring drug companies to disclose the money spent on marketing drugs. Supporters argue that companies sometimes spend just as much on marketing drugs as on research."

To read more go to:http://www.nynewsday.com/news/healt...ealth-headlines

[Woerner]

Illinois vs. The FDA

After a long year of debate, the state of Illinois is planning to unveil its awaited Canadian drug import program for state residents today. The FDA says it will take Illinois to court over the matter of safety. The question is: out of all the other states already importing via websites, why is Illinois singled out for litigation?

“The federal government has failed to act,” Gov. Blagojevich said in a statement. “So it's time that we do.”

“clearly and unequivocally illegal and the FDA will be concerned about the safety of the drugs. . . . These sorts of activities could force us to a federal judge to referee the matter.”

To read more go to: http://www.suntimes.com/output/news/drug17.html

[Poster]

A new book explores the pitfalls of Medicare and how the costs will be far greater than anyone anticipates due to the aging baby boom generation. Not only will the bill for Medicare be passed on to future generations who will not enjoy the same coverage, but it could bankrupt the country irreparably. The author suggests focusing more on the current financial issues rather than debating new spending possibilities.

“We have gone from being the world's biggest creditor, to being its biggest debtor; last year we imported foreign capital at a rate of $4 billion every working day, according to Peterson.”

“Medicare and Social Security costs are going to skyrocket and far outpace tax revenue - fueled by the coming tsunami of baby boomer retirements and the continuing rise of health care costs.”

To read more go to: http://www.aberdeennews.com/mld/aberdeennews/news/9407304.htm

[Poster]

Mrs. Edwards spoke to a group of Green Bay residents recently, where she denounced the new Medicare reforms as ineffective. Edwards is pushing importation and price controls as the most effective methods of providing coverage. She also touted Kerry’s health plan that would include provisions for cheaper drugs.

“The pharmaceutical lobby has been incredibly aggressive in making certain that they keep these profit margins,” Edwards said.”

“This administration has capitulated and taken away the tools we have to negotiate,” Edwards said. “In a free marketplace, we should be able to get together and negotiate better prices for ourselves.”

To read more go to: http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/news/archive/local_17349812.shtml

[Poster]

With all the firestorms over Medicare still burning, some critics now claim that the move to treat obesity as a preventable disease is simply a diversion. Opponents charge that the negative publicity about prescription drug costs is hurting the presidential campaign, and this additional coverage was simply a smokescreen.

“Medicare's older and disabled clients have many more pressing insurance needs than financing for obesity interventions.”

“Medicare's financing obesity treatment has less to do with public health than public relations.”

To read more go to: http://www.nynewsday.com/news/health/ny-vpmar173932108aug17,0,6238489.story?coll=ny-health-headlines

[Poster]

As part of his campaign platform, John Kerry says that will attack the very advertisements that promote high cost designer drugs. Kerry says it is the expense of the advertisements that drive up drug prices and burden consumers.

“Drugmakers more than doubled spending on advertising between 1996 and 2001 and many ads fail to disclose all relevant information to consumers while driving up the cost of drugs, the Kerry campaign said.”

``It is time for us to get this right,'' Edwards said. ``Our seniors don't need another magic pill and empty political promise. They need a president who will put them and their health needs first and the profits and bottom lines of the drug companies last.''

To read more go to: http://quote.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=10000103&sid=azCgqimpFTYs&refer=us

[Poster]

In an effort to help citizens get the cheapest drug prices, the state of New York is posting price comparisons of popular medications on its Attorney General’s website. The city also wants full disclosure from drug companies on pricing and marketing tactics.

“According to the attorney general's own Web site, www.NYAGRx.com is the first site of its kind in the nation.”

``The escalating cost of prescription drugs is a burden for all New Yorkers but especially for seniors on fixed incomes, the uninsured and those lacking adequate prescription coverage,'' Spitzer said in a statement. ``

To read more go to: http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/mld/myrtlebeachonline/business/technology/9424309.htm

[Poster]

Unless the state of Mississippi receives federal waivers soon, thousands of state residents will lose life saving coverage. Changes in state Medicaid coverage cuts treatment for certain illnesses like cancer and organ transplants. Critics are urging the governor to wait until next year to implement cutbacks.

“When asked about restoring the benefits, Jones unless additional funding is provided, Medicaid would be forced to eliminate some other categories of service and eligibility.”

“The state is applying for federal waivers to keep providing coverage for about 18,000 Medicaid participants with certain chronic illnesses.”

To read more go to: http://www.sunherald.com/mld/sunherald/news/state/9497452.htm

[Poster]

President Bush and John Kerry have both spoken on the growing price of medical care, but neither’s plan will be feasible. Both plans call for health coverage, but the bill would come out of different pockets. The Bush plan does promote preventative maintenance, which will ultimately cut costs in the long run.


“But the president's two specific proposals to control costs are marginal. One would cap damage awards in medical-malpractice cases, and a second would permit small businesses to band together to negotiate lower insurance rates.”


“Its cost-related centerpiece is a proposal to have the federal government assume responsibility for 75% of medical bills over $50,000 that a worker runs up in a year. The government would, in effect, become a backup insurer for businesses.”


To read more go to: http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=679&ncid=742&e=18&u=/usatoday/20040824/cm_usatoday/healthcarecostsarunawaytrain

[Woerner]

Fuzzy Math Doesn't Add Up

The election race heat is already on high and both candidates are franticly campaigning for their health reforms. But health care analysts say that neither program will be able to provide the care it promises at the price tag on the window. Both programs would cost far more than either candidate is willing to admit.

"Kerry, for example, estimates his health care proposals would cover 27 million people at a 10-year cost of $653 billion. But that assumes $300 billion in "savings" that the Bush team says might prove elusive. Without the savings, the cost of the Kerry package jumps to nearly $1 trillion."

"One year earlier, the Bush budget set aside $89 billion for the same credit, claiming it would cover 4 million. Analysts say it is impossible to see how spending $20 billion less, at a time when premiums are much higher, could achieve the same level of coverage."

To read more go to: http://www.billingsgazette.com/inde...health-plan.inc

[Woerner]

Seniors Struggle On Medicare

Even with increased Social Security benefits, many seniors say they are struggling due to the growing prices of Medicare premiums. In 2006, Medicare premiums will be deducted directly from senior's Social Security checks before they are issued. That component of the new Medicare reforms has many seniors wondering how they'll make it on such a meager income.

"That means the increase in Medicare premiums consumed almost 40 percent of the cost-of-living increase in the average Social Security check for a retired man, half of the increase in the average check for a retired woman, and more than three-quarters of the increase in the average check for the wife of a retired worker."

"Many people already are having trouble paying their Medicare premiums and their uncovered health care costs. And it's only going to get worse."

To read more go to:http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/newsse...ing/9543569.htm

[Woerner]

Phizer Cancels Drug Cards

Phizer says it warned seniors the company planned to drop its discount drug card program long before the Aug. 31st deadline. But consumer advocates say thousands of seniors who signed up for the card will soon figure out that they have no discount coverage whatsoever.

"The company said that it had been warning its 536,000 cardholders for months that it would discontinue the discount program on Aug. 31 and that it had advised them to sign up for various discount cards that became available under a new Medicare program that began in June."

"Mr. Hayes said the Pfizer action was "a harbinger of trouble ahead" in the patchwork of Medicare drug programs, which include a welter of prices and eligibility requirements that some elderly people have found daunting to navigate."

To read more go to: http://www.starbanner.com/apps/pbcs...4/1009/BUSINESS

[Woerner]

Donations and Parties

This weeks Republican convention is one big party after another, thrown by lobbyists and special interest groups. The pharmaceuticals are major contributors, hosting lavish events designed to "thank" and influence Republican supporters who helped push the new Medicare prescription drug legislation through Congress last year.

"For lobbyists, conventions are effective tools. "Their companies are very bottom-line oriented," Noble said. "They've calculated that this is a very good return on investment."


"But their real purpose at parties this week is to thank legislators for expanding Medicare to include prescription drugs, a major new source of revenue, and remind them of their opposition to cheaper drugs from Canada."

To read more go to:
http://www.newsday.com/news/local/l...ipolitics-print

[Woerner]

Rx Ohio Style

The state of Ohio has paired with a prescription benefits provider to offer discounted prescription through a mail order program. The program is touted as one of the cheapest availabale in the new Medicare prescription drug plan.

"Ohio's Best Rx program is designed to lower the cost of prescription drugs for Ohio residents whose incomes are less than 250 percent of the 2004 federal poverty level and have no other prescription drug insurance coverage."

"Together, we are a good match for meeting the state's goals of maximizing individual, pharmacy, and manufacturer participation, achieving savings for program participants, and providing services with efficiency and accountability."

To read more go to:http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2004/Sep/1069652.htm

[Woerner]

Medicare Increases Premiums

Late Friday, Medicare announced a 17.5% increase in monthly premiums effective in 2005. The largest increase in 15 years is due to rising medical costs and the need for cash in the Medicare Trust Fund.

"Older Americans already are staggering under the relentless increases in the cost of prescription drugs," he said. "More older Americans will face harsh choices in meeting basic human needs -- health, food and housing."

"While Medicare patients will receive little or no benefit in return for the increase in premium payments next year, the prescription drug bill provided an immediate and dramatic increase in payments to HMOs -- that just doesn't make sense," said Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.).

To read more go to:http://www.technewsworld.com/story/...-175-36407.html

[Woerner]

GAO Wants Scully to Repay Salary

The GAO report to Congress on the ex-Medicare chief's cover up of the actual price tag of recent Medicare reforms, suggests that Mr. Scully should by law, repay nearly half of his salary. Investigators cite an old law that requires him to be penalized for blocking another employee from communicating with Congress.

"At issue are Scully's threats to fire Medicare's chief actuary, Richard Foster, in 2003 if he shared with congressional Democrats his estimates of the 10-year cost of the then-pending prescription drug benefit."

"It concludes that Scully blocked Foster on five separate occasions between June and December 2003 in what was "a prime example of what Congress was attempting to prohibit."

To read more go to:http://www.boston.com/business/arti...icare_official/

[Woerner]

No Imports Before the Election

Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist announced that with so little time left before the November election, a vote on any drug importation program is expected to be delayed. Frist said the legislation is very complex and must be carefully weighed, not rushed through Congress.

"There is too much else to do in the few weeks left before lawmakers head home to campaign full time. "It looks doubtful, just given we have 23 days," he told reporters."

"This has been debated over and over and over again. With the broad bipartisan consensus, we must act. And we intend to see the Senate take a position and have a vote," said Sen. Tom Daschle of South Dakota, the Senate Democratic leader."

To read more go to:
http://www.newsday.com/news/politic...itics-headlines

[Woerner]

Medicaid to Cover Mississippi

Medicare has agreed to cover some 17,000 Mississippi residents who were dropped from state coverage to cut costs. Thousands more state residents who were eligible for Medicare also switched to the federal program after an appeal by Gov. Barbour.

"The waivers will cover 17,000 in the PLADs category who need anti-rejection drugs after organ transplants, chemotherapy, kidney dialysis or anti-psychotic drugs."

"Barbour said Medicaid officials are continuing to contact the rest of the recipients cut from the program, assisting them with the switch to Medicare. The Medicaid benefits for PLADs will cease Oct. 1. "

To read more go to:http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?...7&PAG=461&rfi=9

[Woerner]

The Blame Game

Medicare announced a 17.4% increase in premiums for seniors last week. This week both the President and John Kerry are busy trying to win the votes of very confused seniors. Mr. Bush says the steep rise in costs stems from legislators, while Mr. Kerry claims he will block the increase measure in Congress.

"Republicans said the increase in premiums was automatic, and they attributed it to a formula over which the White House had no control."

"Moreover, they pointed out that Kerry had voted for the law that established the formula in 1997 as a way to bolster the finances of Medicare."

To read more go to:http://www.iht.com/articles/538423.html

[Woerner]

"The Truth About the Drug Companies: How They Deceive Us and What to Do About It"

Dr. Macia Angell has released a new book on how pharmaceuticals work and the truths behind many of the myths. She challenges several argumnets for charging Americans such high prices for drugs that patients in other countries pay very little for.

"The prevalence of the me-too's really says an awful lot about the lack of innovation within the pharmaceutical industry."

"The companies spend over 30 percent of their revenues on marketing and administration."

To read more go to:http://www.wilmingtonstar.com/apps/...0345/1004/LOCAL

[Woerner]

McClellan Warns: "Don't Block Increase"

The chief of Medicare, Mark McClellan, is told the Senate Finance Committee that a block of next years intended rise in Medicare premiums will create an even higher increase in 2006. McClellan also defended Medicare, saying that the new prescription drug benefit is saving money for many Americans. He blames the $11.60 increase on the high price for outpatient care and doctor's service, benefits Medicare is obligated to pay for.

"The premiums would rise 20 percent in 2006 if Congress blocked the increase planned for next year."

"McClellan said the increase reflected higher projected Medicare spending, attributable in part to an increase in payments to doctors and improvements in benefits."

To read more go to: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/artic...MNG338P0PS1.DTL

[Woerner]

Thompson Answers to Kerry Attacks

Tommy Thompson commented yesterday on John Kerry ads and speeches that belittle the administration's management of Medicare. Thompson says Mr. Kerry voted for the premium increases to fund HMO's.

"Kerry last year voted to increase payments to HMOs in 2004 and 2005, but the Kerry campaign said those payments are a small portion of the $45 billion in added payments to managed care plans over 10 years that were included in the plan."

"For the past three years, Congress has canceled planned cuts in Medicare payments to physicians and voted for modest increases."

To read more go to: http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/n...004-366382.html

[Woerner]

Mexican Prison for Seniors

The cheap cost of Mexican drugs compared to the high cost of the same drug in the states is forcing thousands of seniors to cross the border for their prescriptions. Unfortunately, most tourists don't realize they need a prescription from a Mexican doctor to legally make drug purchases. This is landing a growing number of seniors in jail.

"Alfonso Gonzalez, a San Diego retiree, drives to Tijuana every month to buy eyedrops for his glaucoma. He pays $20 for a monthly supply of drops that costs $90 in San Diego."

"The police more frequently target the customers, knowing they are easy arrests and in many cases will be only too willing to pay bribes of hundreds of dollars to avoid jail."

To read more go to:http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/artic...BUGAH8PFQ91.DTL

[Woerner]

Neither Candidate Can Assure Medicare

Analysts and Medicare trustees say that no matter who's in the oval office come January, Medicare may still run out of funds well before the projected end. Rising medical costs combined with increased enrollment make a plan from either candidate a tough road to hoe.

"I don't think either candidate has a long-term cost control plan that will make the current system affordable," said Robert Bixby, the executive director of the Concord Coalition, a private, nonpartisan group that supports a balanced federal budget."

"In the end, Bush's and Kerry's proposals for Medicare deal more with controlling costs rather than making deep structural changes needed to save the popular program from future collapse, said Bixby of the Concord Coalition."

To read more go to: http://www.realcities.com/mld/krwashington/9742064.htm

[Woerner]

Indiana's Stake in Importation

There isn't much support for drug importation in the state of Indiana, except in two districts where the highest concentration of pharmaceutical workers live. The rest of the state cites safety concerns as the reason importation is a bad idea.

"Lilly, Central Indiana's largest private employer, has joined with other drug companies in aggressively opposing efforts to lift the ban. Lilly has 15,000 workers in the Indianapolis area."

"I'm very sensitive to Lilly, which does a humongous job in terms of medical research," Carson said. "They have a great employment force right there in my district, and I want to sustain that in any way that I can."

To read more go to:http://www.indystar.com/articles/9/181760-7859-052.html

[Woerner]

Healthcare Figures Big In November

The Presidential Candidates are both making stong statements regarding medicare and prescription drugs to sway voters. But the truth is that neither plan can support the enormous costs combined with a large influx of baby boomer retirees projected by analysts.

"Those concerns make it essential that Medicare's drug benefit -- which is paid for by general tax revenues, not the Medicare trust fund -- be efficient and affordable as possible. Bush and Kerry have vastly different approaches for making sure that happens."

"In the end, Bush's and Kerry's proposals for Medicare deal more with controlling costs rather than making deep structural changes needed to save the popular program from future collapse, said Bixby of the Concord Coalition."

To read more go to:http://www.duluthsuperior.com/mld/d...ior/9772146.htm



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[Woerner]

Maryland Wants Imports

The state of Maryland is asking the federal government for the legal waiver that would allow state residents to purchase cheaper Canadian drugs. Several other states, like Illinois have also requested a waiver. None have been granted so far, as the President is strictly against importing foreign drugs due to safety concerns.

"Vincent DeMarco, president of the Maryland Citizens' Health Initiative, which is promoting the proposals, could not predict the exact savings that would result, but said the proposals together could save the state millions."

"While Medicare provides waivers from certain regulations, he said, drug importation remains an issue for the FDA where there is no precedent for issuing waivers to any jurisdiction."

To read more go to:http://www.gazette.net/200440/montg...e/237922-1.html

[Woerner]

Medicare Figures Big In Debates

Tonight's debate between President Bush and John Kerry will certainly be a defining moment for the future of healthcrae in america. While the Mr. Bush will need to push the benefits of his new program, Mr Kerry must provide an outline of his plans for "natonalized" healthcare.

"Retirees complain that coverage does not begin until 2006 and that the interim drug discount cards are confusing."

" Kerry taps into seniors' frustration by touting his opposition to the bill, though he missed the vote on final passage."

To read more go to:http://www.concordmonitor.com/apps/.../409300362/1031

[Woerner]

DeLay Cited For Improper Conduct

The House ethics Committee announced that is citing Maj. leader Tom Delay for improperly attempting to sway the vote of another lawmaker on last years Medicare vote. Brad Smith claimed that DeLay offered support to his son's congressional race in return for a yes vote.

"The committee found DeLay “offered to endorse Representative Smith’s son in exchange for Representative Smith’s vote in favor of the Medicare bill."

"He said someone outside Congress had offered his son “substantial and aggressive campaign support” and Smith assumed that meant financial support. But he said it was “technically incorrect” to say money was offered."

To read more go to:http://www.michigandaily.com/vnews/...1/415d3825047b2

[Woerner]

Miller To Remain Bush Campaign Chief

Despite a reprimand from Congress over threatning remarks she made to outgoing member R- Nick Smith, R-Addison about his vote on Medicare, Candice Miller will not be removed from her post as the President's Campaign Chair in Michigan. However, Mr. Smith is in some hot water for his part in the scandal.

"She would not support Smith's son Brad's primary effort to succeed his father unless the elder Smith backed Bush's Medicare drug coverage plan last November."


"The committee also admonished Smith, saying he exaggerated a campaign contribution offer he said was linked to the threats."

To read more go to:
http://www.clickondetroit.com/polit...952/detail.html

[Woerner]

CMS Recieves Suggestions From AMCP

The Academy of Managed Care Pharmacies has sent its thoughts on ways CMS regulators can get the Medicare Modernization Act rolling. The Academy suggests ways to establish successful formularies with pharmacies and theraputic providers.

"This area of health care is still in its developmental stages, and prescription drug plans need to be able to design, evaluate and adjust therapy programs without the burden of regulatory hurdles,"

"CMS should take advantage of the extensive knowledge and real world experience that health plans and pharmacy benefit managers have accumulated over the past several decades, instead of creating protocols from a blank sheet of paper."

To read more go to:http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/041004/dcm039_1.html

[Woerner]

VP Candidates Debate Medicare

Vice President Dick Cheney and candidate John Edwards met for their second set of debates last night where they sparred off on Medicare and its recent reforms. Edwards cited the recent premium increase, Cheney rebutted by saying that the increase was set to take place at this time by Congress.

"Medicare premium is up 17 percent on their watch. Again, largest increase in Medicare premiums in the history of Medicare."

"The 17 percent increase in Medicare premiums was the direct result of the statute adopted in 1997. John Kerry voted for it."

To read more go to:http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/041006/nyw102a_1.html

[Woerner]

Importing Could Be Problematic

The governors in the states of Wisconsin and Illinois announced this week that their residents will now have access to low cost prescriptions from Canada, the UK and Ireland. But experts say that importing may cause drug shortages in Canada. This will force Canada to import from other nations whose safety and prices are not guaranteed.


"An April study by the Congressional Budget Office indicated that wholesale importation would not lower America's drug bill as much as supporters suggest."

"All this international shuffling is exactly the problem, warned Wanda Moebius, spokeswoman for the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America. Quality control, shipping and relabeling all create safety pitfalls."

To read more go to:http://www.sptimes.com/2004/10/07/W...shuffle_m.shtml

[Woerner]

HHS Importation Task Force

The task force's findings aren't actually due until Dec. 1, but an associate commissioner for the FDA gave a sneak peak of the results this week. William Hubbard revealed that the committee determined that U.S. FDA approved generic drugs are the same price or cheaper than Canadian drugs.

"If patients will shop around, they, very often, can beat the Canadian price" for medications, FDA Associate Commissioner for Policy and Planning William Hubbard said on Tuesday."

"Task force members, earlier this year held six "listening sessions" with consumer advocates, health care purchasers, providers, health care industry representatives, international stakeholders and the public."

To read more go to: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/med...hp?newsid=14635

[Woerner]

Partisan Squabbling Hinders Medicare

What was supposed to be the greatest advancement in government healthcare, has turned out to be a bureaucratic mess. Both Democrats and Republicans are pointing fingers at the other party for the rocky start the reformed program is going through.

"The struggle has been intensified in both parties by lingering bitterness over the cost estimates used to justify the law's passage."

"Democrats counter that they are simply speaking out against a bad law, a giveaway to the big drug companies that was pushed through Congress."

To read more go to: http://www.wilmingtonstar.com/apps/...0353/1010/STATE

[Woerner]

Congress Leaves Importation For Next Year

Congress adjourned yesterday without passing the drug importation bill Democrats had hoped for. Instead the matter will be left for next year's session and who knows if it will pass at all. Obviously, the outcome of November's election will play a major role in the construction and passage of any such legislation.

"Democrats saw the session in a different light, blaming Republicans for failing to pass important dealing inadequately with the nation's health insurance problems."

"Of course Republicans, who control both the House and the Senate, expressed pride in a Congress that passed a major Medicare prescription drug bill."

To read more go to:http://www.wjla.com/news/stories/1004/179687.html