Originally published February 21 2006
Government officials attempt to correct problems occurring in Medicare's new drug program
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Responding to widespread reports that many low-income seniors are not getting their medications because of technical difficulties arising from the implementation of Medicare's new prescription drug program, Secretary Mike Leavitt urged seniors to stay at pharmacies until they received their medication.
Stung by reports of widespread problems with Medicare's new prescription-drug program, the nation's top health care official said Tuesday that the government is on the case and counseled seniors: "Don't leave the pharmacy without your drugs."
That has happened to thousands of Medicare beneficiaries in the two weeks since Medicare's new drug benefit went into effect, Health and Human Services Secretary Michael Leavitt acknowledged.
The message follows widespread reports that many of the 6.2 million low-income patients who were automatically switched from state Medicaid programs into Medicare are not getting their drugs.
Leavitt and Medicare chief Mark McClellan acknowledged Tuesday that "tens of thousands" of low-income people have had trouble with the system, which is administered by private insurance plans.
On Thursday, 14 Democratic governors wrote President Bush demanding reimbursement.
"The unexpected cost to states will likely be in the hundreds of millions of dollars," the governors wrote.
Despite the problems, Medicare officials said 3.6 million people have voluntarily signed up for the program in the two months since enrollment began Nov. 15.
Seniors and disabled Americans on Medicare have until May 15 to sign up without paying late fees.
Leavitt, who leaves tonight on a three-day trip to meet with state officials, pharmacists and patients about the drug benefit, also said the states should be reimbursed for their costs by the private insurance plans.
Leavitt and McClellan said Medicare has: increased by 400% the number of operators on a toll-free information line set up for pharmacies; reminded pharmacists that people can be enrolled right at the pharmacy counter; directed insurers to boost their customer service and to provide at least one refill of each prescription; and encouraged beneficiaries with problems to call 1-800-MEDICARE and ask for help.
"Our wait on the telephone averages from 45 minutes to two hours," said Lynn Shipp of Senior Care Pharmacy, which serves long-term care facilities in four states.
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