Don't be afraid of a discount
And so, many senior citizens in America have decided to avoid even looking into the new Medicare drug discount cards, all because Democrats have made such a big deal out of the total cost of Medicare reform.
It's true that the cost of providing a prescription discount to seniors cost much more than the Bush administration originally said it would, and it's true that some evidence exists to indicate the White House may have known better all along. But none of that means anything at all for elderly people who are eligible for discounts.
Discounts are out there, waiting to be taken.
The nonpartisan Healthcare Leadership Council estimates Utah's senior citizens could save more than $1,000 over the 18-month period the discounts will be available. Generally speaking, the lower a person's income level and insurance coverage, the more he or she can save. But participants need to sign up for the cards before the end of the year in order to take advantage of the full amount available to them.
Politics isn't the only reason seniors are staying away. The process can seem confusing. To get a card, a senior has to choose from among many eligible vendors. Local officials have said Utahns could generally choose any available vendor and still receive discounts on the drugs they need, but the choices can seem daunting. Add to that the many discount cards provided by pharmacies and pharmaceutical companies all of which also might apply toward a drug purchase and a simple prescription purchase can seem like such a dizzying parade of cards it may require a prescription of its own to understand.
Americans never have done health care the easy way. But then, the easy way universal care provided by the government generally is much more expensive in the long run for society at-large. Still, senior citizens the people who often are least able to pay yet require the most medicine don't get much help in this country.
To be sure, politics is likely to step in and change things again soon. These discount cards have an 18-month life span, and no one can be certain what will come next. But why not take advantage of a way to save money while it is available?
Utah's congressional delegation is holding meetings around the state this month to urge seniors to get a card. In the meantime, call 1-800-633-4227 or visit www.medicare.gov to get more information.
Comments
- Blood thinner Effient cleared 3:27 p.m.
- WGU grads are largest-ever class 3:26 p.m.
- Dems: tax the rich for health care 3:24 p.m.
- HBO defends U. logo use in 'Love' 3:06 p.m.
- Hill Cumorah Pageant 3:04 p.m.
- 2 Tooele police officers fired 2:52 p.m.
- Baseball teams fear 'haunted' hotel 2:51 p.m.
- Stocks falter 2:50 p.m.
- LDS seminary principal arrested 2:50 p.m.
- Blazers draft pick Mills breaks foot 2:47 p.m.
- Jazz talking Boozer trade?
- LDS seminary principal arrested
- Stadium of Fire flag burning was fake
- Reactions on Boozer speculation
- Jazz in back of line for free agents
- A primer for the 6th Potter film
- Okur signs two-year extension
- Jazz won't meet Lopez on Europe trip
- Restaurant destroyed by fire
- Mall owner seeks to retain zoning
- Bronco collecting a galaxy of recruits
141 - Letters: Palin mistreated
140 - Teachers struggle with district cuts
137 - Jazz talking Boozer trade?
132 - Blazers may offer Millsap a contract
123 - Stadium of Fire flag burning was fake
88 - Moon landing: Let's hear from you
82 - Fairness of BCS debated
81 - LDS seminary principal arrested
74 - Chaffetz eyes challenging Bennett
74
By now you've probably read about the investigation that showed just how...
Sen. Scott Jenkins was name-checked by Jay Leno Monday night during his...
I blame the girl. Seriously, she is called the "victim" like he was...
To Anonymous, This article has nothing to do with government run health...
Being able write comment posts to a newspaper story, does NOT make you an...
Police have solid evidence as was already reported in this article about...
I didn't ask you for a plan. My point is you don't think we are affecting...
To "Anonymous | 2:20 p.m." they have been the majority since 2006. If they...
RedShirt is usually good for a laugh. It's just that he posts the same...
The church is perfect - the members aren't. This guy made a big mistake...
After reading this I can't say I know the entire story, and I can't say I...
Regardless of what he did.... (if the article is all true) he saved many,...



You can be the first to comment on this story.