Part “D” for “Defective” — The Medicare Drug-Benefit Chaos

Abstract

Interview with Dr. Jerry Avorn on the problems that followed the implementation of the new Medicare Part D Plan. (07:26)Download A recent survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation quantifies what many of us have seen firsthand: the new Medicare drug benefit is having a troubled infancy (see bar graphs). The data reflect the experience of elderly people who were well enough to participate in a survey; other reports make clear that matters are far worse for those with medical or cognitive disabilities.True, the program provides drug benefits for some Americans who previously had none. But because of its strange design, enrollment is falling far short of expectations. Officials in the Bush administration boasted that 25 million people are receiving benefits . . .