Dear Chris

[Guest guest]

I am sorry if I hit a sore spot when I made a swipe at GWB. The truth is that

the White House's actions in creating Medicare Part-D were anything but a hidden

conspiracy. The White House was proud of its Blue Ribbon panel of Insurance and

Pharma executives as they wrote what we now know as Part-D. It is a matter of

public record that the Republican's leadership would not allow any debate on the

proposal. Up or down, yea or nay... no one wanted to vote no because they would

be seen as being opposed to prescription coverage.

Part-D was long overdue. Both sides of the isle had let this slide too long. I

do credit GWB with his efforts to get this important set of benefits to the

American people!

The two biggest, in my opinion, problems with Part-D are as follows:

1. It stifles the market forces from keeping companies from making excessive

profits at enormous cost to the American taxpayer. This happens because Medicare

is prohibited from negotiating prices with pharmaceutical companies. Every

client company I ever worked for as a CPA prided themselves in their ability to

negotiate for goods and service, it is an important part of the free market

system!

2. The doughnut hole! What an absurd concept. A reasonable deductible amount or

co-pay would make more sense. FYI - Gleevec and other cancer medications used to

keep chronically ill patients alive WAS covered under Part-B. That's why after

going onto Medicare my Gleevec was covered before Part-D came along. Now only

medications that have to be injected are covered... huh? Injections yes, pills

no!

I love you man... vent all you want! I went to war once to fight for your

right to speak your mind... I would do it again! My dad came back from France in

1945 in a full body cast because he too fought for this sacred right. I do not,

and will never, make political agreement a condition of my love and respect for

my fellow man.

I am happy you have had such good medical coverage... I hope it continues and I

wish everyone was so lucky. Here is something I received today from being on the

White House mailing list. I hope it helps everyone.

8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or without coverage.

Ends Discrimination for Pre-Existing Conditions: Insurance companies will be

prohibited from refusing you coverage because of your medical history.

Ends Exorbitant Out-of-Pocket Expenses, Deductibles or Co-Pays: Insurance

companies will have to abide by yearly caps on how much they can charge for

out-of-pocket expenses.

Ends Cost-Sharing for Preventive Care: Insurance companies must fully cover,

without charge, regular checkups and tests that help you prevent illness, such

as mammograms or eye and foot exams for diabetics.

Ends Dropping of Coverage for Seriously Ill: Insurance companies will be

prohibited from dropping or watering down insurance coverage for those who

become seriously ill.

Ends Gender Discrimination: Insurance companies will be prohibited from charging

you more because of your gender.

Ends Annual or Lifetime Caps on Coverage: Insurance companies will be prevented

from placing annual or lifetime caps on the coverage you receive.

Extends Coverage for Young Adults: Children would continue to be eligible for

family coverage through the age of 26.

Guarantees Insurance Renewal: Insurance companies will be required to renew any

policy as long as the policyholder pays their premium in full. Insurance

companies won't be allowed to refuse renewal because someone became sick.

Learn more and get details:

http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/health-insurance-consumer-protections/