Edited version of an
article by Deirdre Griswold
(Original article published Dec 22, 2005)
The critique below deals with a topic of great interest to most if not all
senior citizens – Medicare. Seniors can sign up for the new Medicare drug plan from November 15, 2005 to May 15, 2006. Ms. Griswold takes a look at some of the things one should know about the plan, and offers her opinions about it.
An incredibly complex Medicare drug plan is due to go into effect on Jan. 1. More than 60 percent of
seniors polled say they can’t make head or tail of it. Only 20 percent say they’ll enroll by the first of the year, despite insurance companies warning that they will pay a penalty for enrolling later. “I have a Ph.D., and it’s too complicated for me,” says William Beard, 73.
And no wonder there is confusion. The plan contains few specifics about what it will cost the consumer. Those “details” can only be ascertained by investigating the many different private plans that may be available in your area—and may not.