Those facing high drug costs would have to rely on a special reserve fund that would not go into effect until 2006 to cover catastrophic expenses. And that fund, like the Medicare program itself, would be subject to the uncertain politics of the federal budget process. Surely a program good enough for Congress is good enough for America's seniors. In short, everything Medicare doesn't. Most plans pay between 80 percent and 90 percent of drug costs, and members are not pressured to buy additional insurance policies to bridge huge gaps in coverage.
Most seniors already have coverage from employers or other sources.
Any new drug program should target those who cannot afford coverage. Protection from high drug costs. Insurance is supposed to protect individuals from catastrophic financial losses. The threat to seniors today is expensive drug therapies that may cost thousands of dollars per year. A properly designed policy would include a deductible but cap the financial liability to prevent seniors from getting stuck with enormous bills.