You Ask, We Investigate: Medicare Part D

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Dan Garcia

Story Created: Jul 10, 2008 at 5:27 PM CST

Story Updated: Jul 10, 2008 at 8:20 PM CST

Medicare Part "D" is the prescription drug part of Medicare. It began in 2006, but to this day, it remains confusing to senior citizens. In this "You Ask, We Investigate" some seniors are now complaining that the program that was designed to help them... is in some cases hurting them.

For years, prescription drug prices have been sky rocketing out of control. And the people it hurts most, are seniors on a fixed income.

"I'm not too crazy about that "D" program. Here I am on Social Security Disability and it costs me fifty dollars a month plus a co-payment," said one man.

There are people in the community who deal with seniors on almost a daily basis on Medicare Part D. Becky Roach is one of those people. She works at the Red Door.

"For most of them they're just overwhelmed. They don't know what to do, Many of them gave up from the beginning... It was too hard for them." And it's no wonder why. Says Roach, "All plans you pay a deductible of $250 a year, you pay monthly premiums for 12 months."

Along with that... you pay co-payments for either generic drugs or name brand drugs. Then once you hit $2,500... there's no coverage at all until you spend up to $5,000. All money that's out of pocket for each person. Medicare has also raised co-payments and premiums each January 1st since the program began. Understandably there are mixed feelings about the program. "I couldn't do without it, said one man..." 

 "I don't see where it's helping me," said another.

Arguments that won't likely be settled any time soon.

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