Medicare Law's Costs and Benefits Are Elusive

Article Abstract:

The new Medicare legislation that will provide some coverage of prescription drugs for the elderly continues to raise questions about how much private insurers will pay out since the insurers can alter the government's definition of a standard drug benefit. The private health insurance inustry will handle claims and reimbursements for the federal government. The economic benefits of the Medicare bill remain unknown because it has not been determined if health insurers will be willing to offer a stand-alone drug plan, provide competitive premium prices, or will be able to secure drug discounts from pharmaceutical companies. Of equal concern is the continuation of drug benefits for retirees by their coporate plans now that new Medicare coverage is available.

Drugs Reimbursement Benefits, Aged, Elderly, Prescription drug plans, Insurance, Government insurance

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BUSH'S AIDES PUT HIGHER PRICE TAG ON MEDICARE LAW

Article Abstract:

The White House has indicated that the new Medicare policy enacted by Congress will cost $530 billion over a 10-year period. Republican legislators reacted strongly to the new estimates after being reassured in 2003 that they would not exceed $400 billion. Democrats responded by saying it "vindicated" their predictions that the bill would help pharmaceutical and insurance companies which supported Bush.

Government expenditures, Public affairs, Legislative Bodies, US House of Representatives, Political activity, Economic policy, Bush, George W., United States. Congress, Legislators

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