The News Leader – www.newsleader.com – Staunton, Va.
U.S. Senate: How effective do you believe the Medicare Part D prescription drug program has been in its first year?
Medicare Part D Candidates in the U.S. Senate race answer the question: How effective do you believe the Medicare Part D prescription drug program has been in its first year, and what changes, if any would you make in it? (300 words)George Allen
As is common with any change of this magnitude, there have been some start-up issues. However, statistics have shown that the Medicare Part D prescription drug program has made prescription drugs more affordable for seniors. The prescription drug benefit is the biggest adaptation to Medicare since the program was created. More than 700,000 seniors in Virginia have enrolled in the program this year and are saving an average of $1,100 dollars on their annual prescription drug costs. We need to continually examine the program to ensure that it is operating effectively and efficiently and to make it as easy to understand as possible.
Gail Parker
If I could understand it, I could answer this question more intelligently. It would be more effective if it were not so complicated. I would simplify it.
Jim Webb
The Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit is good in concept. However, the influence of drug companies in its implementation has made it inefficient and in serious need of reform. The benefit is confusing to many seniors and does not provide as much coverage as it could because of inefficiencies in the structure of the program.
In the Senate I would vote to allow the government to negotiate lower drug prices, similar to what the Veterans administration does. On the top twenty prescriptions written as a part of the program a competitive process could save over $7 billion.
All right, this just goes to show you that Allen has no spine on his own. Come on “start-up issues”?!? This is almost as bad as creating Medicare itself. Oh, and to fix it, what else, more government oversight. At least Webb would let the program negotiate prices. Not one of them says what really needs to be said: Do away with it (and preferable the entire Medicare program as well).