Medicare plans mean further confusion

Americans over 65 will be bombarded over the next few weeks with persuasive but confusing propaganda urging them to sign up for a Medicare drug plan. Tuesday was the first day one could join an approved plan, and Jan. 1, is the first day one can get coverage. Missourians may choose from 41 options.

AARP's November bulletin carries an eight-page special report to help its members make an informed choice. It provides answers to no fewer than 65 questions, which makes it about as helpful as the information put out by the IRS to help fill out tax returns. The primary difference is that filing a tax return is obligatory; joining a Medicare drug program is not. Let me repeat: Joining the Medicare Drug plan is not obligatory.

A person who already has good drug coverage won't need a new plan. One needs also to note that it is doubtful whether any of the plans will lower drug costs for a large number of people. Many critics argue the only sure winner is the pharmaceutical industry.

None of the states including Missouri using the I-SaveRX plan initiated by Illinois are about to give it up. The plan encourages citizens to buy their prescription drugs from Canada with cost savings ranging from 40 to 70 percent. Governors of these states point out that the prescription drugs from countries such as "Canada, Ireland and the United Kingdom are exactly the same in every way but one, the price."

Frank Kaiser, in his Web site "Suddenly Senior," points out that. "As of September 2005, more than two million American seniors, 33 percent more than in 2003, are taking advantage of huge savings achieved by buying prescription drugs in Canada."

On the positive side, approximately 14 million Americans with incomes capped at $1,197 per month ($1,604 for couples) will be eligible for considerable assistance. However, Kaiser points out, the average Medicare beneficiary will likely pay more for their prescription drugs under the new law than they would without it. When one actually considers the premiums, the deductible, the co-pay and the huge area of non-coverage (the doughnut hole), it most likely makes sense to buy one's drugs from Canada if your total annual drug expense is less than $5,500.

Dan Icc, owner of Canada Drug in Independence and other cities, was asked if the new Medicare drug plan would drive companies like his out of business?

"Not at all," he replied. "There are some 14 million American seniors who have chronic illnesses and no prescription drug coverage. For most of these people, the Bush plan will cost them more than buying their drugs from Canada and, unfortunately, transfer almost a trillion dollars from their pockets to the insurance and drug companies."

"On May 7, 2003, the Canadian government officially said it is responsible for the safety and quality of the large and growing flow of prescription drugs across the border to U.S. consumers."

James A. Everett lives in Independence.