New Drug Plan May Hurt Some with Special Needs

When the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan begins January 1, 2006, seniors and the disabled will finally have access to long-needed Medicare drug coverage. The plan is expected to save beneficiaries thousands of dollars a year and offers reduced premiums and deductibles based on need. However, health advocates warn that some beneficiaries could end up paying more under the new Medicare plan. Patients who are enrolled in both Medicaid and Medicare, particularly those in assisted-living, the mentally ill, or with a chronic illness, may lose benefits that cover a portion of their drug costs, and be unable to find a prescription plan that covers their specific medications. Jack Cheevers, a Medicare spokesperson in California, says they will continue to take suggestions from health advocates to further develop a system to ensure dual eligible Medicaid/Medicare beneficiaries can transition into a drug plan without any problems.