Medications have proved very successful in controlling hypertension. But people without drug coverage are less likely to get anti-hypertensive medication, according to another study in Health Affairs. As a result, uncovered patients who did get drugs to control their high blood pressure purchased fewer tablets than those with coverage. The buzz has started in Washington to modernize Medicare and provide a drug benefit. The debate will intensify on how generous a drug benefit plan should be, how much it would cost and how many it would cover.
Republicans say they want a bill by summer.
The new statistics suggest that the benefits should be universal. All Medicare beneficiaries need drug coverage. There wasn't even a co-pay. She not only has drug coverage, she also has peace of mind. She doesn't worry that she won't be able to get vital drug therapy.