During the recent national election campaign, program expansions took place in Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, Illinois and Vermont. Four states began enrolling seniors in new programs this year. The giant drug firms are clearly far more comfortable with a Bush administration, and they aren't without representation in it. A large, comprehensive drug benefit under Medicare would in all likelihood result in some pretty draconian cost control measures. A likely first step could be a federal block grant to the states to pump up existing drug benefits or start new ones.
Current programs help a million seniors.
But that represents just one-third of all those who are eligible. According to one report, many don't know such aid is available or feel they can't meet complicated eligibility requirements. Those who were confused split the vote. That's the kind of thing that goes on here. The elderly are said to rely on prescription drugs more heavily than any other group but are least likely to have coverage.