An advocate group for the aging is working to improve Medicare.
It's pretty complicated, but Tom Frazier, Executive Director of the Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups , says rest assured; they are urging lawmakers to make Medicare better and simpler, especially the controversial Part D drug benefit.
"We hope the new administration will takes some steps to make some major improvements like having the Federal government negotiate prices, trying to simplify the program … it's way too complex."
The Medicare Part D program provides many senior citizens with assistance in paying for prescription drugs. Beneficiaries pay the initial deductible, then 25% of the cost of medications — up to an initial coverage limit of about $2,500. Then, there's a huge annual out-of-pocket deductible, known as the "Donut Hole," which Frazier wants to fix.
"Trying to eliminate or drastically reduce what's called the donut hole which is a period where people are enrolled in Part D but they have to pay 100% of their drugs."
When a beneficiary's total out-of-pocket expenses reach just over $4,000, the "Catastrophic Coverage " benefit begins.
AUDIO: Jackie Johnson report (1:22 mp3)
