This past Sunday millions of older Americans gained access to government-subsidized prescription drugs with the long-awaited expansion of Medicare. This is the biggest expansion of the plan in its forty year history. And it will offer many people coverage they did not previously receive. But at what cost? Seniors are struggling to choose between dozens of different plan choices. Others are choosing a plan only to discover that they've been removed from their HMO because of their choice. Busy pharmacists have to spend countless hours helping people wade through the options. And of course that is not to mention the $724 billion price tag for the first ten years. Today, we discuss Medicare Part D and find out how it is working for you so far.
Guests:
- Bob Prath is a regional volunteer leader for AARP, an advocacy group for older Americans.
- Dr. Joe Scherger is the Communications Chair of the San Diego County Medical Society and a professor in the department of family and preventative medicine and UCSD School of Medicine.
- Bob Graul is a pharmacist and the owner of Rancho Santa Fe Pharmacy
