Frog Politics - Health Reform - The Dreaded Gap

I just received Oregon's U.S. Representative Peter DeFazio's Newsletter. I am shocked to find out that Medicare Part D and it's "donut-hole" otherwise known as The Gap was Former President Bush's doing. I don't know why I am surprised. The former president has screwed-up our country in so many other ways.

Since, back in 2004, I was not a Medicare recipient, I was not tuned-in to the fact that there was a gap in prescription coverage, until it effected me in 2008. It works like this; the first $2000 of prescription drugs are paid for. Patients only pay a low copay rate, but the next $2800 is not provided for. During The Gap, only generics are paid for. If you happen to need a medicine that is not offered in generic form (because the pharmaceutical company still holds the patent) then the patient will have to pay FULL PRICE, which is hundreds of dollars. Needless to say, this leads to medication non-compliance. This could be deadly for seniors or the disabled. The mentally disabled could become psychotic if they cannot afford their anti-psychotic medications. Seniors need heart meds, blood thinners, Alzheimer's medications, blood pressure meds, and countless other medications to support health and quality of life. Many patients resort to splitting their medications. This is advised against because they will not be taking proper doses.

As far as the pharmaceutical companies go, they should make compromises too. They could cut a deal with another manufacturer to offer generics regardless of patents, or develop their own version of a generic along with offering the name brand.

When I chose my coverage on the Medicare website back in 2007, I was sure I picked a plan that covered The Gap. I was wrong. My doctor, however, was able to give me her free samples of this medication so I could make it to the new year.

I am pleased to read from the Congressman's newsletter that in June the House of Representatives released the "Tri-committee Health Reform Draft". This draft, among other things, eliminates the gap! OH PLEASE, let that stay in the reform plan.

In addition, it will also stop insurance companies from denying coverage for pre-existing conditions.

Representative DeFazio has introduced H.R. 1583, the Insurance Industry Competition Act. This would REPEAL the ANTI-TRUST EXEMPTION and stop anti-competitive behavior by insurance companies.

I did not know insurance companies are currently exempt from federal anti-trust laws. The exemption allows insurance companies to "collude, fix prices, and exclude people considered high-risk or who have pre-existing conditions". Isn't this just another way to hold a Monopoly?

Although, I have quoted most of his newsletter, I have included a link to his newsletter.

I will be contacting Mr. DeFazio to show support for abolishing The Gap.

We also need better dental coverage, and I don't read or hear about anything being put into legislation on this subject.

Living Bipolar - Irritability

Egads! My irritability level is extreme today. Everything is lame, annoying, bothersome, and not worth any effort at all. I am mocking everything on TV. I feel like I could explode, physically. Just, blow-up where I sit.