|
|
Medicare Discount Drug Card Savings
are an Illusion
News Target
November 6, 2004
An independent study says the drug cards are saving money for consumers, but saving money compared to what? Instead of paying 50,000% markups over the cost of prescription drug ingredients, now they're paying 45,000% markups.
If that's a significant "savings," then I'm Jimmy Carter. Besides, people can actually get their prescription drugs much cheaper through online pharmacies, and without all the paperwork hassle from Medicare.
The discount card is really only designed to give consumers the illusion of savings so they'll stop noticing the sky-high prescription drug prices they're actually paying. It's a well-planned diversion that helps ensure people keep paying ridiculous prices for dangerous drugs.
Overview:
§ WASHINGTON An independent analysis says the Bush administration's new Medicare discount drug cards can help Americans save money on most retail prescriptions.
§ But a Kaiser Family Foundation study says with more than five dozen drug cards to choose from, older or disabled Americans end up confused.
§ Enrollment in the government's two-month-old program has been limited for that reason.
§ Still, more than four (m) million people have drug cards.
§ But most were automatically enrolled by their H-M-O's.
§ The study looked at prices for ten popular medicines -- including cholesterol-reducing Lipitor, the painkiller Celebrex and osteoporosis drugs.
§ The Bush administration's savings promises held for those drugs.
§ Using mail-order services, the drug cards were up to a third cheaper than retail prices.
§ This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
§ Now's the time to find a mate!
§ Don't let a jobless spell dampen your prospects.
§ For more information on this site, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
|
|
