AARP Head Criticizes Medicare Drug Plan

AARP CEO Bill Novelli issued the following statement on the Medicare prescription drug plan implementation:

Clearly, there are problems with the implementation of the new Medicare prescription drug plan. We take these problems very seriously.

The bottom line is that some people are not getting the drugs they need. This is unacceptable. If an individual has proof of eligibility, there is absolutely no reason they should pay more than required or leave a pharmacy empty-handed.

We must all do what it takes to solve the problem.

AARP is in constant contact with Medicare administrators, plan providers, pharmacies and others. Our own endorsed plan is working to resolve problems and improve customer experience. AARP is also working to inform members and the public to bring any and all enrollment documentation, government-issued Medicare card and photo identification to the pharmacy. If individuals are having trouble at one pharmacy we are recommending they try another, given that some pharmacies are handling filling prescriptions differently.

With the Medicare prescription drug program, millions of Americans now have the opportunity to access affordable prescription drugs. Providing a prescription drug benefit is the most significant change to Medicare in its 40 year history. More than one million prescriptions are being filled every day and people are realizing savings.

posted by Consumer Help Web Editorial Team at 8:55 AM |