The first day of 2006 sees the official implementation of the new Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit. The Minnesota Department of Human Services (where I work) has spent the last several months helping so-called dual eligibles–people who are eligible for Medicaid and Medicare–to prepare for the transition. For these dual eligibles. today marks the end of their Medicaid drug coverage. Hopefully, most of these people have selected an appropriate Part D drug plan, but I’ve heard some troubling stories about the inherent confusion in selecting a drug plan, not to mention the fact that some drugs don’t appear to be covered in any of the plans’ formularies. I want this benefit to work for people, but I have a feeling the next few months are going to bring some Sunday-supplement stories about the shortcomings of the new benefit, along with a lawsuit or two.
Yes, I’m one of those lucky dual eligibles. Covered by both and I get less. Like having two big blankets with each having one big hole in the middle. I’ve never had to pay for my meds, in any way. Now I’ll have to pay $1 – $5 per med. I’m on sec 8 and food stamps, where do they think the money will come from?
Argggg.