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March 31, 2006 - Today, the Massachusetts Legislature adopted a resolution sponsored by Senator Richard T. Moore (D-Uxbridge), along with 29 of his colleagues, urging the U.S. Congress to reform Medicare Part D, the new federal prescription drug benefit. Since the details of the plan were released last spring, many problems have emerged leading to confusion and frustration among eligible recipients and local lawmakers.

“I’m particularly concerned that the citizens this program was set up to serve are not getting the help they need from our federal partners,” said Senator Moore. “At the state level, I am pleased that we have acted quickly to help protect Medicare recipients from some aspects of the Part D program that potentially could put them at risk, but the federal government needs to do more.” 

One of the strongest criticisms about the benefit is that it is too confusing, overly complex and difficult to navigate for seniors, pharmacists, providers, and state agencies alike. Under the plan, persons on Medicare are denied the choice of enrolling in a Medicare-administered drug plan and are instead forced to choose among dozens of Part D private drug plans that differ in terms of premiums, cost-sharing, covered drugs and pharmacy access. Additionally, at least 3.6 million people eligible for the federal “Extra Help” low-income subsidy program have not received this help. 

The resolution identifies many of the plan’s shortcomings and suggests measures Congress and the President can take to address them, including:

• Providing a drug benefit administered directly by Medicare;

• Requiring price negotiation for the purchase of prescription drugs under the Medicare program;

• Eliminating the asset test for the federal “Extra Help” low-income assistance program;

• Automatically enroll all people eligible for the “Extra Help” program based on their income.

For more information, log onto Senator Moore’s website at www.senatormoore.com

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