Perspective               

Medicare Drug Benefit Unlikely This Year

Earlier this year, the prospects for a Medicare prescription drug benefit seemed good. As a result of the September 11 attacks, however, the government has put prescription drug legislation on hold for this year. And, some health policy experts say that the chances of a drug benefit being added next year aren't very good either.

Meanwhile, the 40 million older and disabled Americans with Medicare cannot put their prescription drug needs on hold. While some people with Medicare manage to get limited prescription drug coverage through their retiree insurance or by joining an HMO, this coverage is often unreliable and expensive. And, thirteen million people with Medicare have no prescription drug coverage at all, leaving them vulnerable to huge prescription drug costs.

The Bush administration has just gotten approval from the courts for their Medicare prescription drug discount card program to go forward. In fact, many discount programs are already available and not helping. Many health policy experts, consumer advocates, and legislators agree that the discount card program cannot take the place of a prescription drug benefit that would provide comprehensive coverage for an affordable price.

If you are having trouble paying for your prescription drugs, you should call your State Health Insurance Assistance Program, or SHIP. They can give you information about programs in your area that can help you pay for your prescriptions. The number for your SHIP is listed in Medicare and You.

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