States attempt fixes for Part D foul ups
From the SF Gate on line:
At least six states are taking emergency steps to get medicine to low-income senior citizens and the disabled who have reported problems with the new Medicare prescription drug benefit.
Several more states say they are reviewing whether they need to take such action as complaints come in from patients and pharmacists. Under a program that began Jan. 1, Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in private plans are supposed to have prescription drug coverage subsidized by the government.
On Tuesday, lawmakers in New Hampshire authorized up to $500,000 for payments to pharmacists who give a 10-day supply of drugs to elderly people having trouble getting their medicines.
The day before, South Dakota began a program that allows people who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid to get a 30-day supply of medicine.
“By then, we hope that problems with the new (Medicare benefit) will be resolved,” said the state’s Republican governor, Mike Rounds.
Previously, Vermont, Connecticut, Massachusetts and North Dakota had announced plans that would enable low-income people to get their medicine if pharmacists were having trouble confirming coverage through the new Medicare benefit.