TheAmericanBoy | Thought Arena - Latest Comments in Three Words, One Circus; Medicare Open Enrollment.

Re: Three Words, One Circus; Medicare Open Enrollment.

AmericanMikey — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 15:42:23 -0000

Indeed what you say is true. There are many problems with Medicare Part D; however, pre-part d seniors had to pay for the total cost of their drugs. Burdensome is a very accurate description.

Re: Three Words, One Circus; Medicare Open Enrollment.

Drew — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 12:56:14 -0000

Mikey,

I don't advocate for eliminating any cost sharing component, merely the severity of the cost sharing with relation to Medicare Part D. It is a convoluted system that usually requires looking into Medigap policies, etc., and I think there is much room for improvement. Perhaps studies have shown that the majority of seniors do not stop taking their meds despite the high cost, although i had read that it is a potential and not uncommon outcome. Regardless, it is quite burdensome.

Re: Three Words, One Circus; Medicare Open Enrollment.

AmericanMikey — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 08:26:01 -0000

Drew,

I tend to agree with the latter half of your comment, but I'm a little perplexed by the initial discussion. Do you advocate that seniors be given open/cost free access to all health services with no cost-sharing component? Studies have shown that seniors don't typically stop taking necessary medications under the current system, despite the cost being quite burdensome to them.

-M

Re: Three Words, One Circus; Medicare Open Enrollment.

Drew — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 16:04:50 -0000

The idea behind cost sharing in Medicare part D, such as the deductible, high copays, and the rediculous "doughnut hole" in coverage is to make seniors more aware of spending and trim unnecessary expenditures. The whole idea is absurd, because all it does is make seniors stop taking necessary medications when they can no longer afford them. Plus, especially when it comes to a senior population, they shouldn't have the burden of deciding what medications are expendable in the first place. The burden should be placed on physicians to know what medications should be prescribed and which can be discontinued, and when generics are appropriate and when more expensive name brands are worthwhile. If stricter controls and benefits were given to physicians for cost-effective prescriptions with effective health outcomes, the system would be all the better for it.