Sponsors: Few seeking Medicare-approved drug cards

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.cnn.com/2004/HEALTH/05/31/discount.cards.ap/

WASHINGTON (AP) -- As Tuesday's starting date approaches for the Medicare drug discount program, the number of older Americans enrolling for the new benefit has been disappointing, according to some card sponsors.

While most of the more than 70 sponsors are silent about how many people they've signed up, AARP admits its number is minuscule. The group, which has 35 million 50-and-older members, mailed out 26,000 enrollment kits and has signed up only 400 people, spokeswoman Carol Shirley said.

At Walgreen Co., spokesman Michael Polzin said, "We prepared for a crush of seniors to come in beginning in May. That hasn't happened."

The Bush administration projected that 7.3 million Medicare recipients would sign up for the cards, which can be used beginning June 1. That number includes 4.7 million with incomes low enough to receive $600 from the federal government this year and again in 2005 to pay pharmacy bills.

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[Don_G]

1. It's Not Surprising

More than 70 sponsors means more than 70 plans and the web site is confusing as hell to the seniors who have to make the choices.

I doubt that the AARP will sign up many members anyway after their sell-out of their members to the Bush Drug Cartel.

[trogdor]

2. Not to mention the whole thing is a scam.

Not all seniors are addlebrained folk who fly to Florida thinking they've won some sweepstakes because they've bought a bunch of magazine subscriptions.

[Another Bill C.]

3. My LTTE

This LTTE didn't make the cut.

"When the new Medicare prescription “discount cards” became effective I went to the Medicare Web site to see what my savings would be. I typed in my medications and was puzzled when the price shown with the “discount” amounted to the same as I’ve been paying for the past couple of years. It didn’t seem to make sense that I should pay for a discount card when the price would be the same as what I’ve been paying.

"Since my pill bottle was close to empty, I ordered a refill. When I picked it up, I found the price had risen over 10 percent. Is it coincidence that the drug prices were increased at the same time the “discount cards” were being introduced? No, I think bamboozle is a better choice of words.

"Right now, it’s pretty much the Medicare patients who are being taken for a ride. Next year, the really expensive part of the prescription program takes effect. Then it will be all of the taxpayers who pay for this porcine tribute to the pharmaceutical companies. As an older person, I would like to apologize to all of our younger taxpayers for allowing this fleecing to happen in my name. You still have a chance to correct this, though, by voting Democratic in November."

[sendero]

6. Exactly...

... seniors aren't falling for this pig in a poke. The fact is, if you are buying your drugs at a large chain pharmacy, you are already getting a discount. When there is no control over price, no regulation, it's very easy to play games with the numbers and claim a discount.

And that is exactly what is happening, and seniors have seen this all before and aren't going to fall for it this time.

Now if they can just connect the dots and realize that the "free market" solutions offered by the Republicans benefit no one except the pharma and insurance industries - the whole country could benefit when we toss these money changers out of the white house.

[TahitiNut]

4. I think it's fascinating that we can have "State Stores" for alcohol ...

... but can't seem to get the profiteering out of life-preserving prescription drugs. It sure is moral to enrich one's self by profiting on another's ill health. Yup. So much for "moral relativism." :puke:

[coltman]

5. This is not a measure of our nations wealth...

this is another measure of repuke greed.The neocon's are killing our youth with bullets and bombs in an unjustified war and our elderly with the high cost of health care in neglecting a justified war on the sick and infermed.America the bountiful where do our priorities lie. Vote KERRY vote DEMOCRATE vote STRAIGHT TICKET.

[readmylips]

7. I got Walgreen Prescription Discount Card....

I receive discount medical coverage from my hubby's retirement mega fortune 500 company. Since his retirement, our medical coverage has doubled. At first, he paid nothing and I paid about $45.00/mo. Doctor visits were $5.00 co-pay. Prescription were $5.00 co-pay. Now we $80./mo for my coverage, $20.00 doctor visit co-pay (both), $10.00 prescription co-pay. Our dental and eye exam coverage was totally dropped. It has been in the news that this mega company has plans of dropping all retirement benefits for retirees.

We signed up for the Walgreen Prescription Discount card. We don't see where the discount comes in when paid $5.00 co-pay before, and now we pay $10.00.

A regular med my hubby needs for his yes, the tiny tube is less than 1/2 inch long, was $110.00 out of our pocket. Now the same tiny tube is $140.00. We can get the same medication in Canada or Mexico for $30. to $40. (Have fun while we're at it.)

And don't be fooled. Many American drug stores are getting their drugs in Canada and Mexico, and selling them at the same American price to us. They themselves find cheaper drugs in other countries. They are the ones lobbying to close down citizens from stealing their loophold to cheaper drugs.

[coltman]

8. The kids today...

that are trying to raise a family sure do have a challenge facing them.This old mans only suggestion to them is to vote "what is it gonna do for me and mine".