I have nothing further to say about Plan D that you and a zillion other people haven't already said. And very well at that! What I can't quite understand is why people aren't jumping up and down in protest over the penalty imposition. The idea that a person who doesn't sign up before May 15, for whatever reason, will  be financially penalized if, again for whatever reason, he subsequently decides to sign up is a gross violation of civil rights!!!

Plan D is supposed to help people. The fact that it sucks is beside the point. Income tax is mandatory...don't pay it, you get penalized. But Plan D is not mandatory. And you shouldn't be penalized for not signing up for it! Nor should you have to sign up for something you may not want or need just to keep your options open.

I think we need to send a resonant message to our congresspeople in the next couple of weeks. How about spearheading the movement, Frank. We're with ya...at least I am. Tomi Curtis

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I don't know what's wrong with me but I didn't have any trouble getting a RX plan with Humana for $11.32 a month deducted from Medicare.  I only pay $30 maximum for non-generic and nothing $0 for generic (which Tamoxifen is now).  I researched on the internet what companies covered the drugs we take and that was how we decided.  We've only had this for two months but it seems to be working.  Fondly from Arizona, the old fart here, Calli Kitchen

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I am a 65 year old widowed senior who has raised two grandchildren and presently sending one to college and the other to high school. I have lupus, arthritis and several other ailments. Blue Cross cancelled my prescription coverage (after 35 years with them) the end of December because I was eligible for Part D. After spending hours trying to find the correct plan, I finally signed on with Advantra RX through Continental Ins. They paid for my celebrex for three months and then when I tried to have it refilled they refused to pay for it any longer.

I had a terrible migraine one day and the doctor called me in some Imitrex. I went out in the bright sun to pick it up from the pharmacy and my ins. carrier refused to pay for it without prior approval and then it was going to have to go before the board before they decided to either approve or disapporve it, most likely the first. The pharmacy suggested I go back to the doctor and see if they could give me some samples so I go traipsing back across town with my horrindous migraine to beg them for some samples.

SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS PROGRAM!! There are going to be seniors dying because they can't get their medication. What are we supposed to do? Glenda Todd

I've been saying for some time (I'm 83) that the golden years aren't even gold plated. Also, I think it's high time a new model of human was brought out -- one that is more resistant to all these physical and mental maladies that we develop. Shrinkage -- obviously we weren't sanforized... I have lost abut 3 inches of height in the last 10 years or so. Those lousy discs cushioning our spinal column are to blame. If my prostate cancer, wet macular degeneration, etc., get much worse, one of these days I'm going to tell my primary care doc to hand me a glass of water and a double strength cyanide capsule and to leave the room. In the meantime, it's a mean time. Walt Hansen

It's about time that seniors start thinking about what we have contributed, what we have paid, and what we want and need. We have a powerful voice—let's use it! Cathy Brown

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Great article. Instead of just pointing out the problem, why don't you try to organize seniors to do something about it?

Start petitions. Tell them to write their Congressman and Senator–and tell them where to write or send emails to – INCLUDING THE PRESIDENT.

I'm willing to get involved. Give me (and other's) some guidance. You know a lot more about this than I do. George Burke

George,

Right, we need to scream like hell. Will anyone listen? That's the question. Here are some places to start...

Write your Representative: http://www.house.gov/writerep/

Call your Representative by calling 1-800-426-8073

E-mail your senators at http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_
information/senators_cfm.cfm

Call your senators toll-free:1-800-828-0498

Call the Medicare Ombudsman at 1-800-633-4227

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How exciting to hear of your stories! I'd probably continue to read if you let go of politics; very negative! Rather, let's be supportive and adapt the "Golden Rule." Cecilia Eclar

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Medicare Part D is going to bite the Republicans right in the ass. John King

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Thank you... I am going to make sure my children read this... so they will really understand why I am complaining - even though I have not prescribed any drugs... thank God... I have been against this Drug Plan... Now I can explain it to others. I.N. Thomas

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I enrolled in the Humana Part D program in Feb. and I received my card about 2 weeks later, then toward the end of Feb. I received the information packet and in looking through the booklets I had some questions so I called Humana and proceeded to inquire about my coverage on the drugs I take.

Now this is where things become a nightmare, I told the rep what medication I take just to verify what was shown in the drug/formulary booklet and was told that the booklet was no longer valid although I had received it that very day and my medication was not on the list for the $7.00 copay that it was on when I first applied, but on the preferred drug list now. When I questioned the rep I was told that the coverage can change day to day and for the latest information to go to their web site. What if seniors don't have a computer or the knowledge to go from page to page to research their coverage?

Well I called Medicare the very same day and asked how I could stop the Humana coverage, I was helped by a very nice and concerned lady and she ask me what medications I was taking and then suggested I change to another Part D provider. I called the provider she recommended and it is costing me more per month but no co-pay on my medications, at least they will notify in writing of any changes in the coverage without a web site having to be consulted each time you want to fill a prescription.

I am not quite yet a senior but I am a disabled lady getting very close to being a senior. I do have the knowledge to check the computer and have helped my senior neighbors in researching Part D providers and I am sharing my "nightmare" with all of them. Linda Rice

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It is my goal to communicate with as many seniors as possible and entice them to vote all these turkeys out of office who supported this unbelievable rip-off. Who ever will replace them does not really matter anymore, I hate to say it, but we are going to be sold down the rat hole no matter which lawyer gets into office, so let's just start a Boston tea party and show them that we are still a potent force and just clean house in November.

Personally I will never sign up for any existing plan, but I sure feel bad for the seniors who got screwed and are unable to get their proper prescriptions for a fair and reasonable price. I am really getting madder then hell with every passing day. Keep up the good work, Frank, and keep stirring the pot. It's a noble cause. Herb Bundgen

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I agree with you completely about Part D and there isn't any question that we should throw the bastards out. Unfortunately, at this time I consider it necessary to support even the worst Democrat member of Congress in hopes of countering the despicable individuals populating the executive branch. It's very frustrating. What we really need is the opportunity to vote "none of the above" and make the parties give us candidates that we actually like instead of voting for the lesser evil. Mike Adams

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I am furious with AARP as I took their plan and they promised me everything was covered and everything but one drug — it is a tranquilizer that I have been on for 25 years and it is generic — and they will not pay for it. So it cost me $35. With the price of the AARP RX card and all my drugs now I am saving a whole $10 a month.

We have been so mislead. I asked her if I was a psych patient would they allow it because I was from the old school and to me I did not the difference from an antidepressant drug compared to a tranquilizer and she said I guess they would. So she sent me a rejection letter that I am to take to my doctor. When I do this, he will just say let me put you on another drug.

Now why would I want to do that as this one works for me. And if it ain't broke, don't fix it. I am 74 and it just makes me so angry. They do not want to hear the senior voices at all. We really have been duped. I so appreciate y our newspaper. Thank you again for all yours and your wife's hard work. Betty Culp

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I've been getting your newsletter for a over a year now, and think that your last issue was the best yet. Yes, seniors should be getting up in arms! You hit the nail right on the head with your description of how insurance companies are doing their best to make getting a simple refund or payment as complex as possible. Everyone knows that Plan D is a mess; but even those of us who are still working, and who are lucky enough to have very pricy (to our employers) insurance plans are going through the same thing.

Insurance companies are taking advantage of an overworked and overtaxed population overall, but seniors in particular. Why?

Seniors are generally perceived and presented as being a "drain" on society, despite past and current contributions to our local, state and national communities. We need to educate the public about what seniors have done to build and improve the communities in which we live, what we have contributed to our nation, and the local, state, and federal taxes we've paid for years.

We have PAID for our right to decent insurance, care, and living conditions. And that is in addition to what we contribute to any community in which we live. Seniors are, generally, a cheap source of revenue for savvy city planners. Unfortunately, many city planners are not too bright. Here's a link to an article about a particularly unenlightened bunch:

http://www.juneauempire.com/
stories/030206/loc_20060302001.shtml