According to Mike Leavitt, secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, prescription drug prices have dropped, thanks to “market forces.” (Medical News Today)
So capitalism works? Excellent news!
President Bush must have had the right idea by injecting competition into Medicare’s prescription drug program, the same one that people say is confusing. According to a survey conducted by America’s Health Insurance Plans, however, the plan is not so confusing after all. From the Washington Post:
According to AHIP, three out of five seniors reported they have saved money under the plan, compared to their previous costs, and four out of five said the plans they chose covered the drugs that they needed.
“When you get out of Washington and listen to seniors, you learn that seniors are saving and that the vast majority are not experiencing problems,” Ignagni said.
…
The survey reported that 35 percent of “dual eligible” seniors — those who get Medicare and Medicaid benefits — are skeptical about the motives behind those who “attack” the new program. These seniors said politicians who have criticized the plan are motivated by a “desire to score political points,” according to the survey.
And it all comes down to politics.
