A prescription drug benefit program, also known as Medicare Part D, was signed into law by President George W. Bush. Although this program provides seniors with some assistance to help offset the soaring costs of their prescriptions, it is far from ideal. The price of many prescription drugs dramatically increased after the benefit was implemented and continues to do so. This is due in large part to the cost of brand name and specialty drugs for which there is no generic or lower-cost alternative. These medications are often placed in “specialty tiers” that significantly drives up out-of-pocket costs and can cause beneficiaries to hit the doughnut-hole gap in coverage sooner. TSCL is supportive of increasing and improving outreach to seniors, especially those individuals that could qualify for Extra Help. Simplifying and streamlining the application process would also be a vast improvement the program.

In addition soaring prescription costs, the Medicare Part B deductible has steadily increased due to mandated annual indexing. TSCL is supportive of legislation that would eliminate the means, or asset, test used to determine one’s premium. Seniors should not be punished for attempting to plan for their retirement.