Like father, like son
Those of us who remember the depredations of the father's presidency, including "there is no global warming," and the "education president" whose committees cheerfully slashed away at budgets that resulted in the elimination of education programs, further foundered decrepit facilities, further increasing class sizes in every more materials-challenged schools, are surprised not at all at the current Bush's effect on the sciences, health, social services (including taking more away from the elderly and disabled while benefiting the well-to-do and wealthy.
Read, for example, radio commentator Tom Scott's commentary on the Bush Administration's chilling effect on science policy. And this commentary, A Wrong-Way Agency, from the L.A. Times.
Talk to any Medicare beneficiary about the confusing, ill-conceived, and atrociously executed Part D drug "benefit" that is going to end up costing the elderly and disabled more in the long run, especially when they are forced to use the insurance companies' participating pharmacies for the drugs the insurance plans will not be paying for, keeping the beneficiary from getting prescriptions filled at pharmacies that charge less. Better yet, don't talk to a Medicare beneficiary - offer to help those who can't wade through the dozens of plans and options, especially those who don't have computers, by doing the computer work and making the phone calls to the 10 or so plans that look like they might work....but only if you can find out more information from their customer service staff, few of whom seem to have actually had any training in answering.
Be sure to also help them do the math - and find out just how much the benefit 'improvements' are going to help them.
Glad it's not just me seeing the Medicare Part D flaws: It's a benefit, but for whom? L.A. Times; New woe may hit elderly on Medicare: Independent pharmacies may drop some health plans Press Democrat.
And, so much for Medicare Part D saving states money: State to Sue U.S. Over Medicare L.A. Times
Check out Consumer Union's Prescription for Change site, and write your congressional representatives and tell them to stop dragging their feet!
Read, for example, radio commentator Tom Scott's commentary on the Bush Administration's chilling effect on science policy. And this commentary, A Wrong-Way Agency, from the L.A. Times.
Talk to any Medicare beneficiary about the confusing, ill-conceived, and atrociously executed Part D drug "benefit" that is going to end up costing the elderly and disabled more in the long run, especially when they are forced to use the insurance companies' participating pharmacies for the drugs the insurance plans will not be paying for, keeping the beneficiary from getting prescriptions filled at pharmacies that charge less. Better yet, don't talk to a Medicare beneficiary - offer to help those who can't wade through the dozens of plans and options, especially those who don't have computers, by doing the computer work and making the phone calls to the 10 or so plans that look like they might work....but only if you can find out more information from their customer service staff, few of whom seem to have actually had any training in answering.
Be sure to also help them do the math - and find out just how much the benefit 'improvements' are going to help them.
Glad it's not just me seeing the Medicare Part D flaws: It's a benefit, but for whom? L.A. Times; New woe may hit elderly on Medicare: Independent pharmacies may drop some health plans Press Democrat.
And, so much for Medicare Part D saving states money: State to Sue U.S. Over Medicare L.A. Times
Check out Consumer Union's Prescription for Change site, and write your congressional representatives and tell them to stop dragging their feet!
posted by Melissa at 6:15 PM
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