As many as 36 million Americans narrowly dodged a recent proposal from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that would have advanced unprecedented government intrusion within the Medicare Part D prescription drug program.
CMS never offered a satisfactory reason for its proposed tinkering with something that's working. Part D is a real rarity -- a genuinely popular and cost-effective federal health program. The proposed reforms were not only unnecessary; they would have compromised affordability, limited treatment options for patients, and stifled innovation in the insurance industry.
Though the misguided proposal has been shelved, Part D is still at risk. The Obama administration has pledged to push through a similar plan in the near future.
By all accounts, Medicare Part D is overwhelmingly successful. The program offers drug coverage to seniors for a monthly average of $31 and enjoys a 90 percent approval rating among beneficiaries.
CMS never offered a satisfactory reason for its proposed tinkering with something that's working. Part D is a real rarity -- a genuinely popular and cost-effective federal health program. The proposed reforms were not only unnecessary; they would have compromised affordability, limited treatment options for patients, and stifled innovation in the insurance industry.
Though the misguided proposal has been shelved, Part D is still at risk. The Obama administration has pledged to push through a similar plan in the near future.
By all accounts, Medicare Part D is overwhelmingly successful. The program offers drug coverage to seniors for a monthly average of $31 and enjoys a 90 percent approval rating among beneficiaries.
