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I have lupus, an autoimmune disease that requires many expensive drugs to keep healthy. In 2005, I paid $13,000 out of pocket for prescriptions that I have to take on a regular basis. I did not have drug insurance until Medicare Part D was put in place. Without this benefit I would have paid $18,000 in 2006 for my drugs. Instead I only paid $4,500 — a huge savings.
When I learned that Medicare Part D would become available in 2006, I researched the drug plans and chose one whose formulary included the drugs that I need. I signed up for this plan and have been extremely satisfied with how it has benefited me.
The problem with the Medicare prescription plan is not the plan itself, but the difficulty in determining how to access the best plan to meet the individual needs of the consumer. It is complicated and Webbased — two factors which that limit many seniors from knowing which plan to choose.
The law is working, which is why I am urging our congressional representatives to vote against the drastic and very risky legislation to put the government in charge of negotiating drug prices. Currently, Medicare beneficiaries can choose among competing private plans. In contrast, HR 4 would dismantle the prohibition on the government interfering in negotiations over drug prices, and, as a result, dismantle the robust market that has driven prices down.
I fear that with government interference, many of the drugs I need to take will no longer be available to me through my prescription drug plan as there are no generic equivalents for them.
At a time when seniors are on fixed incomes, putting roadblocks in their path to getting the drugs they need to stay healthy is a very bad idea.
I urge Rocky readers to contact their representatives and urge them to vote no on HR 4.
Thank you.

Anita A. Fricklas
Centennial

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