Saturday, January 14, 2006

Are We Really Our Brother's and Sister's Keeper? Are you proud of how the new Medicare Part D is working so far? This was big deal when it was passed, as we recall, and it was going to finally help the most needy amoung us all with medication costs. Mission Not Accomplished. Millions of the so-called "dual eligibles," elderly and disabled who were previously receiving their medications at almost no cost have been "switched" to the new Medicare program. Now, they have deducibles and a "donut hole" of $3000 to fill. Some of their medications are no longer covered. These are citizens who are living in nursing homes, or are severely disabled. The states have had to step in to make sure these vulnerable people receive their needed medication. For this segment of our great society, some of our weakness and most needy neighbors, the choice was not voluntary. Should we care? Should social work be more involved politically? Have you seen the Part D law? Do you understand it? What if your were 85 years old with dementia? You know it's a really, really serious problem with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger pledges his state will supply $70 million to fill the gap for two weeks, in anticipation of reinbursement from the federal government. 2:48:31 PM    comment []

© Copyright 2006 Randall Griffith. Last update: 1/25/2006; 12:05:37 AM.