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    Part D Drug Plan Needs A Cure

    The National Committee's 4.6 million members and supporters want a Medicare Prescription Drug plan that works for seniors—not the drug and insurance industries. President Bush's confusing and costly drug plan saddles seniors with a costly “donut hole” and a lifetime penalty for those who delay enrollment, and prohibits Medicare from negotiating for the lowest prices possible. Ultimately, this privatized drug plan undermines Medicare and threatens the future stability of the program.

    Part D needs an overhaul, including:

    • Allow seniors to get prescription drugs directly from Medicare while requiring Medicare to negotiate the lowest prices for seniors, just like the VA.

    • Eliminate the lifetime penalty for seniors until this confusing plan is overhauled.

    • Eliminate government subsidies to insurance companies which would free up funds to close the costly coverage gap to seniors, known as the “donut hole”.

    Americans Want:

    • A traditional Medicare prescription drug plan which provides seniors with simple, cost-effective coverage and affordable drugs.
    • A prescription drug plan which requires Medicare to negotiate the lowest prices possible, just like the VA.
    • A prescription drug plan without a costly coverage gap, known as the “donut hole”, and lifelong penalties.

    Americans Got:

    • A privatized prescription drug plan so confusing and complex millions of seniors have not signed up.
    • A prescription drug plan which actually prohibits Medicare from negotiating for the lowest drug prices possible for seniors.
    • A prescription drug plan which leaves millions of seniors vulnerable to a $2,850 coverage gap and penalties for late enrollment.

    The National Committee is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that acts in the interests of its membership through advocacy, education, services, grassroots efforts and the leadership of the board of directors and professional staff. The work of the National Committee is directed toward developing a secure retirement for all Americans.