the Medicare drug "benefit" is the scam of the millennium . . .

I've just learned that the company that has been providing a very expensive medication to me at no cost for years has changed their policy in light of Medicare Part D . . . henceforth, anyone who is eligible for Medicare Part D will no longer be eligible for the company's patient assistance program . . . the fact that 95% of the programs available through Part D specifically exclude this medication from their "formularies" (i.e. they won't pay for it) is of no concern to them . . . they're going to save a fortune by not having to provide free medications to those who can't afford them, even though those medications will also be generally unavailable under Medicare Part D . ..

right now my annual drug bill comes to about $1800 . . . the medication I was receiving from the company will cost me $540/month, or $6480 . . . the $1800 will be reduced only by about $300, to $1500, but there's also a $250 deductible, so my total annual drug bill will be a whopping $8230 -- an increase of over 350! . . . and since there's no way I can afford it, I guess I'll just have to die to save them all the trouble . . .

fuck 'em . . .

Right now I've dodged the bullet on the destructive consequences of Part D, but I suspect the numbers who are negatively affected as you are will soon be legion. How anyone could have supported and enacted this misbegotten program is beyond me. Let's hope the 2006 election changes the Congressional makeup, Dems take back control, and this evil legislation will be overturned. My thought is, the administration would just as soon all of us Medicare-eligible citizens would just pass on and provide more money for tax breaks for all Bushie's wealthy friends. Fact is, we are of no worth to them and that's the bottom line.

Tired Old Cynic

Fuck 'em is right! Another example of the value of human lives to the miserable regime we are suffering through!:grr:

Vendors are required to provide coverage for all drug classes covered by Medicare D. If you want to send me an e-mail I'm willing to help you with your dilemma. I'm a health care strategist and just finished working on implementation of a Part D program for a large employer. There are plenty of plans being marketed that don't use the standard Medicare design including the $250 front end deductible. While a particular drug may not be included on the formulary for a given class, Vendors must include alternative choices.

Most insurance providers still offer their old drug plan. However some will be raising the premiums later. The worst penalty for not joining Part D is a higher rate if you decide to join after May 15.

The real problem with Part D is that stupid "doughnut hole" and the complications it creates.

As the other poster said, you can get another drug or as the Medicare website says:

However, if you are currently stabilized on certain specific prescription drugs (like drugs for depression, cancer or HIV/AIDS), you don’t have to switch to a different prescription drug. Please talk to your doctor or pharmacist to see if your prescription drugs qualify.

When you join, the Medicare drug plan will send you information about its appeal procedures. Read the information carefully and call your plan if you have any questions.

as is the insurance companies. They all have responsibility in their irresponsibility.