Top Ten Things Wrong with Medicare

Signers of the Petition to fix Medicare:

 

Gerald Brock - Snellville, GA

I have experienced all the above

carol quinlan - Matteson, IL

need to work with drug companys to lower drug prices and get rid fof the donut hole

Russell Wagner - Bristow, VA

I want my voice heard about Medicare Reform and the Top Ten List at www.toptenthingswrongwithmedicare.org is a great start!!  Please read this list and know that we will be voting for officials who want to make Medicare BETTER for the PEOPLE, not the drug and insurance companies!

Sandra Alleyne - Arverne, NY

I really hope that these changes come about because medicare is absolutely a mess.  A lot of times I want to get a prescription filled because of the dreaded hole.

Sandy Lytle - Jackson, TN

Something has GOT to change.  With the rising prices of basic needs, it's a shame that people are forced chose whether or not to get their meds filled for any given month.  Don't we have enough to worry about these days?

Sailendra Nath Sarker - Bronx, NY

All these fact 100% accurate, we need a solution asap

Robert Leach - Crestview, FL

Earl Scott Jr. - Little Rock, AR

There is NO WAY I can afford my medicines. I take 8 different meds everyday. Without some sort of coverage there is NO WAY I  can get them. I take one every time I eat,that one is $750.00 monthly. Another one is $550.00 monthly. I still have six more that I have to purchase. I dont know what can be done,but something needs to done where people in poverty can afford their meds.

Rodney Ferrer - Lutz, FL

Thanks for letting me know what they don't want me to know!

barbara niland - newark, DE

ihave been diagnosed with hyperlipidemia for probably 5+ years; my cardiologist has been ordering cholesterol  screening every 6 months all along; i have signed a form at the lab everytime acknowledging that medicare only pays for this screening every 6 months; i have always been very careful not to have the screenings performed too often.  unfortunately, my memory has failed and i contacted medicare to findout when i am eligible for my next screening.  i tried first on line at medicare.gov.  the only thing i can find about cholesterol screening is under preventive services, which states that medicare provides cardiovascular screening every 5 years; and that my "next eligible date is 1/1/2005.  i know i've had what i would call cardiovascular screening (including cholesterol screening) more recently than 2005.  i tried to clarify my issue via an "on line chat".  i was told to call...  i called.  i asked the agent "when am i next eligible for cholesterol screening"?  the agent took several minutes to access my records (this was acceptable).  the agent then asked me to hold while she checked with her supervisor...(was she in training?).  the agend then came back on the line and proceeded to read to me verbatim what i had already read under cardiovascular screening--that i could have it every 5 years.  i told the agent she had not answered my question.  she said, "you asked how often you could have cardiovascular screening"; i said to her no, i asked when am i next eligible for cholesterol screening.  she asked me to hold again (i guess this is acceptable) she came back on the line and said that according to their records i had never had cholesterol screening and that i could have it done any time...i forgot to say that she asked me somewhere near the beginning of the session if i am diabetic--(what does diabetes have to do with hyperlipidemia?)  and why do they have no record of my previous cholesterol screenings?  so...i still do not know when i am next eligible for cholesterol screening.  i will be very unhappy if i have to pay...

Marcella Browning - Fernandina Beach, FL

I think the Medicare D is a very confusing medical program for seniors, especially ones with dementia. The program only help my mother for about 6 months, then the dreaded donuts hole appears. The cost of her Aircept and Januva drugs are very high for an individual on limited income. My mother can not change her diabetic medication to a generic brand, because the generic brand cause her personal problems. The program is not in the best interest of the user, it seems to benefit insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies. The Medicare D program needs to change so senior could understand it and benefit from the program for a full year, due to their limited income.  The present program does not help someones budget.

Jeanette Sherbondy - Chestertown, MD

batson - chgo, IL

i am waiting (not to patiently) for the change,or is it bailout??? we are the forgotten generation...the ones that shattered all of the windows so that others could follow... please help the folks that need a bailout, THE MOST!!! thank you

Carlene Butler - Dadeville, AL

Medicare needs to cover drugs for seniors like the Veterans Affairs covers drugs for the veterans at a very low amount.

Mary E. Traill - Butler, AL

I urge everyone to sign this petition. If you have not had  issues with RXAmerica, you will.  They can do anything they want to do. Prior authorization, step therapy, not on formulary, appeals,  in my opinion, are only delays  to avoid  approving  what was prescribed and what we pay for  including our monthly payments.

Martha J. Price - Cleveland, TN

Medicare is not for the beneficiaries but for the benefit of government. It is becoming like filing an income tax return in that the taxpayers, there are no common or regular people, who pay for Medicare for themselves and many, many people who don't pay taxes, cannot get through all the BLA, BLA, BLA, without paying an expert to decipher the language and all the "ifs", "ands" or "buts".  I wish Americans as a joint group would protest by not paying taxes until we get what we are paying taxes for. I hope it happens. We won't be any worse off because all of the government officials are already operating for themselves and their investments. Just like the companies the government has bailed out, their executives leave a bankrupt company with employees and taxpayers being "raped" while they go off into the sunset of retirement or running another business in oblivion with billions of money in their pocket. They don't ever depend on Medicare or the Social Security System. They don't have to because we, the taxpayers, have already paid the dues for ourselves and many Americans who can't.

Nancy Ebbert - Lake Mary, FL

Will there even be Medicare for my children?

Yvonne Decelis - Cambridge, MA

As someone well under 65 with a disability, I can  honestly say how horrified and upset I am by the way our country treats the elderly and the infirm! Something must be done about this. Worrying about how bad my coverage is under medicare is actually sending me into a potential MS attack (and, thanks to the program being so bad, I may wind up staying at home)!

Laurie Reed - Blue Island, IL

If the politicians would have left the money medicare had as a surplus years ago we would not have the financial diffeculty we face today. I for one do not take some medications my physican says I need because they are not covered by my plan. I am on SSI and have a very limited income. Due to this I have to decide whether or not to keep a roof over my head or pay for uncovered prescriptions. These drug companies are saying  you can only take certain drugs not the drugs you may need in order to live. This in turn creates more hopitalizations costing medicare more money than if they covered the drugs people need. Why can't medicare negotiate drug costs with the drug companies?

WILLIAM J ROCHE - AVON PARK, FL

Marie Romano - South Riding, VA

Part D medicare is a TRAVESTY.  THe only ones who have benefitted are drug and insurance companies. Please fix it!

Terry Lenley - San Diego, CA

Heather Blake - Chattanooga, TN

I am an ICU nurse and countless times I see patients who are in the hospital because they can't afford their medicines.  The saddest case yet was a man who ruined his new heart post heart transplant because he couldn't afford the rejection medications.  Thank you so much Chris and Karyn Blake for petitioning to change this!

Eurycles B. Anders - Decatur, GA

Cheryl Dawson - Morrisdale, PA

We already paid for Medicare out of our paychecks. Now we have to pay taxes on that money again, and they deduct out of the small check we receive another dollar amount to help pay for our benefits!!!  Whats up with that?

lori hood - wills point, TX

medicare needs alot of help it is so hard to figure out all of that information

Betty Reichertz - Milwaukee, WV

It cost me over $400.00 a month for my husbands perscriptions in 2008 after he got in the donut hole.  Had to take out of our savings and investments or not eat.  It's a big worry - please do something!!!

Keith Thomas - East  Liverpool, OH

Charles Newman - Kopperl, TX

Fix medicare.Put the congress and senete on social security instead of their outrageous retirement program they voted  in theirselves. Then they would fix the problems.

Ruth Komar - Saucier, MS

I am fast approaching the donut hole.  Last year I reached it by the end of January.  I have been a disabled nurse since 2000.  My construction worker husband has had virtually NO work in three years and we can get NO help.  Our retirement has dwindled down to 14,000.  we have borrowed 12,000. in order to eat and pay rent and electric bills.  We rarely eat meat and now even fruits and vegetables are too expensive, yet within a month or maybe less We have to come up with 4,700. for my TROOP.  Welfare says we have too many assets because of our savings.  They will not consider the 12,000. we have to re-pay in loans.  We still have vehicle payments.  I can't even afford topsoil or fertilizer for my vegetable garden!  What am I to do?  Do they want me to commit suicide because I can't afford my pain medications or antidepresents?  I have NO idea what to do.

Daniel P. Orand - Leander, TX

My wife goes in to the BLACK HOLe called the donut hole every yar by March and we have no way of buyng  ife threatening medications with out taking out loans.  Prior to Medicare Part D we quallified for medication assistance and ceived most  of our medictions free, These great probrams were stopped or overrugulated and we made a little too much money to get assistance from medicare. My wife is Judy H. Orand. our joint emai is judyorand@uahoo.com

Judy Orand - Leande, TX

I go into the donut hoe eery February or March and have to take out LOANS to pay for ife threatening medication.  I make just a litte too mjuch SS to qualify for assistance. I am in a Catch 22. The stress of this has had a determental effect on mine and my husbands heath. Judy H. Orand

Esther Christine Bergquist - Harvard, IL

Help keep our drug costs down.  I don't mind paying my share for drugs but, when I get into the donut hole, within four to five months into the year I never get out.  Yes, I do not continue with my doctors orders of what to take and how often.  I must take less of my doses.  It is a crime this goes on and on in our country.

Louise Villani - New Rochelle, NY

I went into the donut hole in August last year and had to cut down on my pills as they cost hundreds of dollars.

Sharon Berry - Lenoir, NC

Medicare needs a giant overhaul so beneficiaries can easily compare options, make choices and get benefits needed.  Make Medicare better for the people - not the drug and insurance companies.

Cora L. Godwin - Jay, FL

jeannine alicia winter - rantoul, IL

Ellen Feder - Huntington Station, NY

Today I went to fill a new prescription. I  was shocked to find out that the drug was $9.00 more expensive with my part D Aetna plan than if I bought it without the plan in  the same pharmacy. There is something very wrong with this picture. Obviously ,these plans are designed  to enhance the  profits of the insurance companies and drug companies that we are being forced to do business with.  WHAT A DISGRACE

c.k. dickson - lewes, DE

Nancy Canales - Humble, TX

Kyle Christopher Erickson - Stanfield, NC

I am not a senior yet but I do have concerns about this system. I am a type 1 diabetic and live in N.C.. I have no coverage in this state and to take care of my health issues it costs a fortune. The way it I see it is I wont even make it to be a senior because I cant pay for my meds and there semes to be no help avalible.

Carolyn E. Oliver - Lauderdale, MS

Lack of common sense and greed, that is what is wrong not only with medicare but our society. My husband and I purchased a business, the federal and state gov. has caused us to inventory and pay additional taxes 4 times sense Dec 08. The business profited $2,000 total after they finished with us, I am 67 and trying to figure out this D plan is a joke! I am on 7 name brand medications and I can't see a way for us to pay for it even with the plan D. We need help but our government is too busy bailing out the rich, the poor and guess where they are getting the money from people like us!

LARRY A. DRUMMOND - HOUSTON, TX

Shirley Childers - Mesquite, TX

Please help those on Medicare by making the way we have to interact for medicine a little easier.

Gwendolyn P. Briscoe - Cincinnati, OH

My mother died less than a year ago, and along with the loss of his spouse, my Dad had to deal with loss of prescription drug coverage through my mother's former employer.  Dad is 90 years old, and needed help from his daughters in getting enrolled in Medicare part D and a supplementary medical policy.  The Medicare Part D sign up and implementation process was a nightmare and it was followed by  constant worry about whether Dad would receive his mail order prescriptions.  The insurance company we dealt with was recommended by AARP because it was "the EASIEST" to deal with!  I can't even imagine how it could be any worse with some other choice!

Anthony Summa - Clermont, FL

Gale M Castaldi - West End, NC

Medicare and especially the Part D need fixing. We clearly see the benefit to the drug companies since Medicare is unable to negotiate drug prices. Companies are able to negotiate drug prices, but the millions of retirees are forced to pay higher costs. We are one of the families who fell into the donut hole and still had to pay our premiums while also paying 100% for our drugs. Highway robbery if you ask me.

Elizabeth Timms - Ninety Six, SC

James W. Timms, Jr. - Ninety Six, SC

Becky Timms - Ninety Six, SC

John Gurrad - Belton, SC

Carol Johnson - Bethel, CT

Barbara Dawes - Manhattan, KS

The biggest problem with Medicare is the Part D.  It does not need to be this complicated!

Nino Lucio - Miami, FL

In addition, I would like to see Medicare cover the generic drug clonazepam

Donna Lipps - Tucson, AZ

For someone who is retiring I was told I had to wait 5 months to be able to sign up for a Plan D drug plan...What!!!!!

ellen olaughlin - boulder, CO

Maria Weber - Cheektowaga, NY

virginia abner - madison, OH

Mr. &Mrs.Young - Kinnelon, NJ

Cut the drug costs. Too costly.

James E. Henkel - Livonia, MI

The doughnut hole needs to be fixed, the price of drugs needs to be negotiated for the seniors!!

Jean and Al Stoloff - Livingston, NJ

Del Dannels - Quitman, GA

I am that senior who has  no perscrription insurance because it costs just as much for the perscription as it does for the medication. I cannot get a generic for my medication, so I pay $200.00 for my perscription a month and $180.00 for the perscription coverage. I need eye drops for the rest of my or I go blind. I have to pay BIGTIME!!!!

Marilyn Murillo - Delhi, CA

jOANNE CORYELL - ASHEVILLE, NC

David Smith - Millbrook, AL

Medicare should negotiate with the Drug co. for lower prices.The VA does.Why can`t medicare ??

keith - adams, UT

chris Spitzack - Beaufort, SC

Willis Wadham - San Diego, CA

margo moody - mountain home, AR

EDITH caywood - Memphis, TN

FIX THE 10 WORWST THINGS WRONG WITH THE RX PLANS UNDER MEDICARE.  THEY ARE CAUSING TERRIBLE PROBLEMS FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED CLEAR PROGRAMS.

Karen Cobb - Elk Rapids, MI

Georgianna Bland - Lenoir, NC

As a Senior, I feel I have paid my dues.  After working 33 years for a top ten company and 10 years in lesser jobs I feel I have been a major contributor to the economic strength of this country.  Now at this time of my life, I am old, my investments have all gone to hell and the ONE thing I have counted on most was medicare.  I volunteer at a Senior Center and do Medicare Part D insurance comparisons.  In 2008 I worked two months  -- November and December- did comparisons and enrollments. The whole thing is much too complex for many Seniors.  The variation in covered medications, the high cost of non generics, the tremendous range of benefits is too much at a time when many of us are ill and do not have an advocate.  Please help us.   I can not tell you how many times and  how many people, after viewing the comparisons left, either in tears or just shaking their heads --saying, "How can I pay for these medications -- I can't live without them."  I know for myself, I have arthritis, and my life is not worth living without celebrex.  Its cost is just prohibitive.  I'll do without other stuff I would enjoy at my age to take this medication and yet this is one drug that is involved in quantities and step therapies and insurers just requiring time consuming special attention from my doctor,  I have participated in medical studies of other medications but none work for me like celebrex.  I am just one person with one problem.   There are so many stories out here.

Harry H Shelton - Edmonds, WA

I am glad to see that some one is taking the necessary steps to start the correction of the Medicare problem.

Evelyn Olson - Riverton, WY

Linda Kaiser - Green Valley, AZ

Fred Kaiser - Green Valley, AZ

Betty J Brown - Nashville, TN

I'm not sure if I am eligible for assistance because I have no children in my home.  I have recently changed my medicare coverages to Windsor Extra from BCBST for my suppliment coverage and Blue Rx.  I have RA and need to have infusion treatments of Remi- cade every 8 weeks.  Blue Cross lost my first 2 applications for Suppliment Ins. and I was put on a 6 mo pre-existing condition so I couldn't get my treatments and I was afraid that when I changed companies the same thing was going to happen.   When I went in for my doctor's appointment, I had already let them know I had changed providers and they had received confirma- tion that I would be covered 100%, but then before I could restart treatments again, we were informed that they needed more info. and I had to wait another 2 weeks for them to get it from my doctor, medicare and Blue Cross.   As far as I know right now, they have paid it all.  But I was wondering about what was said about the limits of what Medicare would pay.  This paper shows that they will only cover up to 2700.00 and one treatment costs between $5000.00 and $7000.00. Are you saying that I will now be responsible for everything over the $2700.00?  I hope you will make this more clear for other readers. I would appreciate you comments on this.

Cyndi Daulton - Lenoir, NC

Christine Brown - Maumelle, AR

Donald Girouard - ivins, UT

the most important change would be to get rid of the doughnut hole and keep premiums and co-pays realistic.

Karen Murray - Westerly, RI

My particular issue is that I had to leave my employment due to illness but even though I am receiving Social Security, I have to wait for 2 years for my medicare.  That makes absolutely no sense at all.

JOE & SUZI MILLER - Jacksonville, FL

THE "DONUT" KILLS US!

Ann Crewe - Emporia, VA

One of my greatest concerns is the two year waiting period for becoming Medicare eligible after an individual has been determined to be disabled prior to their 65th birthday.  I worked 31 years in Social Services and saw this problem first hand. I also support negotiation with Drug Companies to obtain the best possible drug prices for those who are Medicare eligible. Most Seniors have no idea how to determine the best possible Part D plan for them.  It is a daunting task to do the research necessary to make this determination.

HOWARD D. REITZ - DANIELS, WV

I  would like to the top ten things wrong with medicare  change.particulary doing away with the donut hole.The drug program needs to be changed.

Daniel E Wojnar - Cumberland, RI

Cecil E Jeffries - Wichita, KS

Darlene Long - West Chester, OH

Croce J Fiandach - Glendale, AZ

The top ten ironically express what I have felt all along and do it perfectly. Politicians are controlled to far to great an extent by the drug and insurance companies deep deep pockets.

Donna Bray - Fairburn, GA

Fix Medicare NOW!

J. Fraliex - Fredonia, KY

Why does it have to have a donut hole?  Why can't it be all year long coverage?  Generics do not bother me.  It is May and my husband is in the donut hole.  He has one medication that costs 439.00 a month and six others.  What is he supposed to do now: not take it or buy it and go hungry.  Is this the way to treat our seniors?  I think not!

joseph coniglione - holbrook, NY

whoever is in favor to fix medicare and the insurance supplements ,I will vote for !!!!!!!!

CHARLES  R - NEW CHURCH, VA

I NEED MEDICATION THAT MEDICARE WON'T APPROVE SO I DON'T TAKE IT.

BONNIE  H - NEW CHURCH, VA

MEDICARE PART D DOES NEED HELP.

john m. goffette - cumberland, RI

# 11, WHY DOES THE V.A. PILLS COST MORE THAN WALMART & WALLGREEN'S?

Linda Rutyna - Jensen Beach, FL

Edna Hammeren - Bismarck, ND

All the above is true.  I got in the donut hole and even tho, I was paying premiums for Oct, Nov and Dec, 2008. They did not have to pay a dime for my drugs.  Also, the premium for my rx plan went up the first year and my premium for my supplemental ins was increased by $20.00 per month in my second year of coverage. I also see that the supplemental ins does not have to pay much after Medicare pays.  I swear I spend more on my premiums for a year than what Mutual of Omaha paid on my bills for the year.  It is just crazy!  And..I suppose they will raise my premium again next year for my supplemental ins.  Where does it end?  And, we have no say-so about anything.

LEONARD BENSKY - PEEKSKILL, NY

The entire Medicare part D prescription plans, has to be completely overhauled.  Everything must change.  This plan was created with the pharmacutical insurance companies and the manufacturers in mind.  This law was not intended as a consumer bill.  Everyone knows that the 'AMERICAN PHARMACUTICAL ASSOCIATION"  helped create this bill, with the blessing of our last president.  What they did was to give the seniors a "small bone with a tiny bit of meat on it".  Why not the full steak? I can't begin to tell you all the problems.  Every year, it gets worse.

Earl Whyde - Charleston, WV

Robert Smith - Mills River, NC

terrible the way medicare is handled and ran. Gets one in dept and can not possibly get out. way gov. wants it. just another way big brother governs every ones life. SO YOU STAY POOR AND LOSE WHAT LITTLE ONE HAS.

Rosa Lee Garten - Amarillo, TX

We  are up a creek without a paddle when it comes to prescription help. Two different doctors have prescribed meds for me but I could only try samples. My plan wouldn't pay.  Why do they have the right to tell the Doctor what they can prescribe??

Peggy Gingerich - Stuttgart, AR

I would like for this mess to be straightened out.  After we chose our plan the company then dropped my husband breathing medicine which puts him in the donut hole by June

Tiffany Sublett - Wadsworth, OH

I can't believe common sense isn't used anymore

Bobby J Ballinger - Demossville, KY

Agnes Bleick - Valley, NE

Seniors should be ale to change prescription as needed.  If seniors cannot change then the insurance company should not be able to raise prices.

bonnie - chesapeake, OH

I have been through all of this and you are RIGHT. Something needs to be done. This is a daunting task. there are so many plans out there and they don't even cover the prescriptions in the same tier. Please help us seniors

Brenda B Brown - Griffin, GA

Medicare pays very little on prescriptions and doctor's visits. Why did it have to become primary instead of your original primary insurance? We pay medicare twice and still end up paying 100% of medication after doughnut hole is reached. This is a very big trap. After paying into medicare during working years until retirement, there should not be any more payments to be made. I still pay high prices for prescriptions as if there is no plan D for help.

Rhoda Clark - McComb, MS

Why, if generics and name brand drugs the same thing are name brand drugs sky high or why can't my prescription plan cover them? I strongly agree with your assessment of prescription drug plans.

Garland C. Hathaway - Quincy, IL

I agree with the screwed up mess cause by insurance and drug companies in regard to the script program.

Barbara Weirick - Lexington, OH

The current system fails to even recognize the needs of people who have been paying into it for years!  It only goes to show that the wealthy and politicians are the ones who can afford the rediculous prices for medications an medical care all Americans should recieve.  This all happens while our taxes are paying for the "perks" politicians are handed on a yearly basis until the day they die!

Evelyne Chemouny - New York, NY

Healthcare is a human rights issue, as much as education, voting, access to drinking water & electricity, or due process in court. The way we treat our elders reflects on what kind of society we are, and what we value: greed versus humanity, standardization and conformity over diversity and personal care... It's not just Medicare, it's the whole healthcare system that needs a serious rethinking. Fixing Medicare (as if!) is not going to make doctors more patient or hospitals more compassionate....  We need more solidarity across generations. The old were young once and the young will be old one day. We can't keep 'parking' off our elders, ignore them while in our midst, as if they were invisible, until their time comes. The US should look to other countries and learn from models they could adapt to their needs. Respect and consideration for the aged must be taught early on to children and to adults, if needed.

Thomas G Asher - elkhart, IN

Elaine Wolf - Lexington, KY

This says it all. E.

Tonya Ford - Durham, NC

Kathy Curry - Philadelphia, PA

Ursula Kappert - Great Falls, VA

I am outraged that the amount I pay for a drug myself counts towards the donut hole.  It should be only the amount paid by the insurance.  Even if the insurance pays nothing, because they took my drug off their formulary, my own expense counts towards the donut hole, which I sink into every year.

Susanne Heron - Arlington Heights, IL

Please listen to us and read the information gathered here.  Please do not distort this information for your own uses and change it beyond recognition.  Please fix the problems herein delineated, as is, as shown.  These repairs to Medicare are no-brainers, and should have been incorporated from the beginning of the program.  I come from a corporate background and am well aware of how material like this starts out as common sense requests and when it gets to the people who can make the decisions, it is distorted to material not recognizable or useful.  I am hoping that this petition will have enough impact to get our beliefs and our needs and our demands met in a proper and righteous manner, as befits the decision makers of a great country such as ours.

Raymond F. Puksar - Lansford, PA

Billy Robbins - Delray Beach, FL

Eliminate the "doughnut hole"....

George Moore - Hixson, TN

Connie Baumann - Hixson, TN

Anita Collins - Memphis, TN

Many things about this plan are NOT fair, such as all costs count toward going into the donut hole; only your costs count in coming OUT of it.  Drug plans need to send their letter of renewals earlier in the year, so that if we don't like it, we have time to shop around.  Our lawmakers need to take a closer look at this flawed program - please. Ask your constituents what they think - and listen - then decide.

dwaine  edwards - visalia, CA

plan d  has to change, the hole has to go,my 2nd order of lantus for this year cost over $1000 that i will have to pay because of the hole,my income last year $23000, to buy or not to buy!!!!!

Rika Conboy - Eads, TN

Paul Zobisch - Dallas, TX

Robert St Onge - Sterling Heights, MI

Gloria Feltman - Tamarac, FL

My Femara (anti cancer) has no generic.  In 2006, the cost was $600.00 for a 90 day supply.  This latest amount is $986.00 for a 90 day supply.  With more people using it, why should the cost escalate?  Gov't must be allowed to negotiate price...  Gloria Feltman

elizabeth taylor - long beach, MS

CALVIN FREEMAN - RICHLAND, GA

PART-D MEDICARE FAVORS PHARMACEUTICALS &/ INSURANCE COS. TOO MUCH. I AM A 16-YEAR SURVIVOR LIVING WITH A STROKE & HIV+. MY MEDICATIONWS HAVE TO BE TAKEN AS PRESCRIBED OR I'LL DEVELOP A RESISTANCE TO THE DRUGS, WHICH CAN LEAD TO OTHER MORE SERIOUS OR COMPLICATED ILLNESSES SUCH AS PNUEMONIA, OR OTHER COMPLICATIONS MEDICALLY REFERRED TO AS ARDS(AIDS RELATED DISEASES). THIS USUALLY LEADS TO A HOSPITAL STAY AND FURTHER COMPLICATIONS THAT CAN EVENTUALLY LEAD TO SUDDEN DEATH. I CANNOT UNDERSTAND THE LOGIC OF NOT HELPING PEOPLE LIKE MYSELF OBTAIN MEDICINES, INSTEAD OF PAYING HEFTY HOSPITAL COSTS. THERE HAS TO BE A BETTER WAY. IF WE COULD GIVE BILLIONS TO AFRICA TO HELP FIGHYT HIV, SURELY WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO HELP OUR OWN PEOPLE SUFFERING FROM THE SAME DISEASE, GET HELP AT HOME.

Christopher Petersen - Wheaton, IL

Let's get our priorities in order and, at a minimum, put some efficiencies in place!

Bill Steelman - San Antonio, TX

J.Hardcastle - Knoxville, TN

please won't some one please reform medicare.it is hard to get along on a fixed income,you work all your life raising your children and  everything crumbles aroud you.

edward c. prange - tampa, FL

helen dinkins - newport beach, CA

William Slicher - Smyrna, DE

Phillis Lancaster - Cleveland, TN

Alfrieta Bennett-Reaves - Danville, VA

John Samen - South Boston, VA

Ozella Bennett - Danville, VA

Ella Brown - Rosenberg, TX

It is sad when I have worked until my 74th birthday and the drug prices take all of your Social Security each month. But Thank God I did.   Something has to be done about the rising cost of medications.  I am now taking my medication every other day because I cannot afford to pay the price and eat too, besides home expense and doctors and dentists.

Robert Lofton - Hazlehurst, MS

Robert G.Lenz - Cadillac, MI

Please consider these '10 Things Wrong with Medicare Madicare'

Timothy B. Guthrie - Fort Myers, FL

We need to get rid of the "donut hole".

Andrew Parker - Stanley, NC

Medicare Part D is not what a drug plan should be.   Medicine cost too much.  I can't afford to keep paying these high prices for medicine.  Medicare Part D is not calculated FAIRLY when they add your premiums and the total cost of your medicine to get this $2700 figure.   Medicine is too expensive and if one takes 15 medicines a month it does not take long to go into the (Black Hole) Donut Hole.  We meed HELP to fix this so called Meciare D so SENIORS can afford there medicines.

Laurie K. Holland - Manitou Springs, CO

Although Medicare Part D has helped me tremendously with my prescription costs, there is room for improvement.  I am taking fourteen prescriptions per month.  Five of the fourteen are not covered through my insurance.  Because I am on SSI, I have a very limited income and most months I have to go without some of my meds.  Although I have been told that I qualify for "extra help" because I have both Medicare and Medicaid, I do not receive any additional funding for my medications.  I have contacted Medicaid and was told that as long as I have Medicare, Part D, Medicaid will not assist me with any prescritions.  I have requested reviews for three of my medications. Two of them are needed on a daily basis, and one of them is needed each month, generally 6-10 days per month.  When I telephoned my insurance company, they told me that all I have to do is submit a written authorization through my doctor's office and "most likely, the medications will be approved."  My doctor has been kind enough to submit all of the necessary paperwork, and three out of three were denied.  Both my doctor and I recieved letters stating that they cannot cover the prescriptions.  It is frustrating.  I initially had to wait three and a half years before I even received my SSI and Medicare/Medicaid.  I have been diagnosed with diabetes, fibromyalgia. sleep apnea, periphrial artery disease (PAD), and ongoing migraine headaches due to brain surgery seven years ago.  I am in pain constantly, and when it was unbearable, I had no choice but to go to the emergency room.  Because of my many visits to the emergency room while waiting to receive my SSI and insurance, I am now labeled as "drug seeking."  You bet I was seeking drugs, I was in intolerable pain and could not afford a doctor.  I, for one, believe that the system that is currently in place for disabled Americans truly needs to be changed.  It should not take so long to receive disability income and insurance.  And, it should not be a constant fight to get medication.

SARAH COOK - BEL AIR, MD

As a nurse working with patients as well as a caretaker of my own elderly family members,I have found the Medicare Drug program definitely is a problem with all the ten listed items.I believe that whoever is formulating these policies is not in reality as to what a catastophic program this is and how detrimental it is to both the mental and physical health of the elderly.It an overwhelming program for me to process much less the aging population of America.Something needs to be done to simplify and make the program user friendly.I believe that the money that drug companies are spending on the advertising of medicines might be used to benefit this program or help to sponsor the program.There are funds that the drug manufacturers have available for certain programs.However the process to get to these programs is complicated and time consuming at best.What can be done? I have little to tell patients when they ask for help.

Lida McDowell - Hattiesburg, MS

Margaret Brubeck - Austin, TX

renate letts - hawthorne, FL

Medicare Part D is a joke, who ever thought up th donuthole must have been schizophrenic. every year you have to change insurance companies because they go up on the prices and copays. Mosst people are just glad to have an insurance for their prescriptions, and put up with this ordeal.

Elmer Sipe - Athens, TN

Pam Robson - Jacksonville, IL

I have always said that the insurance company's should not be allowed to tell us where (we buy med's) and what we are to be taking.

Howard Flier - Anderson, SC

Belia M. Gonzalez - Premont, TX

We would certainly appreciate if what is wrong with Medicare Part D, would be fixed. My husband is taking alot of medications and it is draining our income. We are both 73 years old and it seems that our Medicare Part D changes its formulary every year and forces us to take the drugs they ok and not what our Doctors prescribe.

Beverly Brunelle - Live Oak, FL

MEDICARE HAS LOST ALL CHANCES OF HOPE FOR SENIOR CITIZENS. MY HUSBANK NEEDS A NEBULIZIER CALLED XOPENEX. MEDICARE NOW DINIES THE NEED AND REFUDES TO PAY FOR IT ENEN PARTIALLY. ALBUTERAL AND ATROVENT DO NOT KEEP HIM BREATHING. THE XOPENEX COMPANY WILL NOT HELP HIM. HE CAN NOT AFFORD TO PAY OVER $400 A MONTH FOR THE XOPENEX SO HE WILL DIE. DO YOU CALL THIS FAIR TACTICS BY MEDICARE SO THEY CAN BUY EXPENSIVE MOBILE UNITS FOR OTHERS?

H. Maaser - Monmouth Junction, NJ

Marie Long - San Leandro, CA

I have had to change companies about every year for some if not most of the reasons listed.  Even if generic medications don't work as well I'm forced to take them.  Sometimes the medications are rejected.  I have registered complaints with Medicare for unfair treatment!

james wells - boone, IA

Irene H Rogner - Willoughby, OH

As a Medicare Part D user, I think it is one of the worst possible programs ever put together!!  It needs to be fixed NOW.

Lucia Hyde - Raton, NM

This (Top Ten Things Wrong with Medicare) is absolutely true given my experience. I don't know how to "paste"etc on my computer but hope the petition contains the information our legislators need.

Patty WIlliams - Kent, WA

Shirley Auble - Oak Ridge, TN

Health care is definitely in need of reform.  No one should have to choose between eating or getting needed medication.

Carolyn M Woodbury - Huntington Beach, CA

These top ten things do need to be addressed.  Prices and rules are artificially and arbitrarily unfair to Medicare recipients.  Please make Medicare a fair and equal way to cover the elderly. Thank you, Carolyn

Lottie Woolfolk - Richmond, VA

Jeannie Jennings - Weatherford, TX

My husband is in the donut hole by March every year.

Barbara Zerillo - Clinton Township, MI

These are legitimate issues that desperately need to be addressed.

Sibyl M. Coulbourne - Princess Anne, MD

We all need to work together to help make it better.

kip winsett - escondido, CA

Some of what is wrong is just an egregious misuse of public funds to enrich the druge companies. The system needs to be about elderly sick people - not wealthy investors and CEOs.

Charles G Bass - Issaquah, WA

Bobbie Sparks - Hope, AR

Trying to get Medicare Part B and D and a supplement to Part B was one of the hardest things we've every done.  I don't know how people with minimual intelligent every get signed up.

Irene Hartwig - Lincoln, NE

Medicare Part D is a confusing mess!  Humana wastes an unbelievable amount of money and time with their multiple page monthly reports.  I don't need that much information monthly.  Clean up this mess.

Lani Hink - Vineburg, CA

Zeda Beth Stout - Mountain Home, AR

Mary Delozier - Sioux City, IA

Rosemarie DeBurgos - Bayville, NJ

henry scholtes - manistee, MI

Medicare should DEFINITELY be fixed! The "donut hole" is way too large!

barbara niland - newark, DE

memo for the record.   1.  in march of 2009 my dr. prescribed xalatan for glaucoma--newly diagnosed.  (i did not take xalatan when i enrolled in medicare pard d, nor did i have any foreknowledge that i would need the medication)  when i got the prescription filled i was advised that xalatan was not in their formulary.  my options were to get lumigan or file for a special exception to have xalatan covered.  i tried lumigan and had a VERY PAINFUL reaction to the inferior product.  2.  on may 12, 2009 i contacted wellcare to request a form to be sent to my dr requesting special consideration for coverage of Xalatan.  the representative told me she would fax the form to my dr. that day.  3. when i went for my dr. appointment at 10;00 thursday, may 14th my dr. office HAD NOT RECEIVED THE FORM.  4.  i called wellcare on may 14th, as soon as i got home from the dr. appointment to request the form to be re-sent.  this representative advised me the dr. office had to request the form directly. (not what i was told by the previous representative).  i then requested my dr. office contact wellcare directly to request the form.  5.  also on may 14th i attempted to accomplish my mission via internet.  when i clicked on the 'contact us" link, i got an error message.  i again called wellcare and advised them of the problem with contacting them electronically.  their answer to me was that i was unable to make the connection because i have virus protection on my computer.  i asked the representative to please convey my displeasure that THEY OBVIOUSLY DID NOT WANT ME TO BE ABLE TO CONTACT THEM ELECTRONICALLY.  6.  i then called my dr. office again at 2:00 pm may 14th.  they assured me that they had called and were waiting for the form.  7.  at 4:30 pm may 14th I GAVE UP AND PURCHASED XALATAN ON MY OWN.  8.  i have viewed wellcare website for an appeal process.  one would need a law degree to understand how to file an appeal.  AGAIN, I GIVE UP!!

Gladys Smith - Nashville, TN

Harry Austin - Signal Mtn., TN

The Medicare Modernization Act was designed for and by Big Pharma and the Insurance industry. We need to stop the insurance subsidies, return that money to Medicare to improve program, and turn negotiating for drug prices and the provision of drug coverage to Medicare. If insurance companies can outperform Medicare without subsidies, they can continue to offer what they offer if people want. But everyone who signed onto Medicare Advantage programs should be allowed to return to standard Medicare, and Medicare should be able to offer a standard, comprehensive drug formulary.

Dorothy Wilson - Minneapolis, MN

Medicare Part D is too too complicated and needs to definitely be fixed.  It takes hours to try to help clients especially seniors understand where they are with their prescription drug plan.

John Crowley - Zephyrhills, FL

This situation is assinine. It is not the fault of one party or one administration but an accumulation of arrogant and inept handling by our legislators. Please begin the healing process.

barbara nickerson - revere, MA

Gina Yorio - Tucker, GA

Deirdre Wilson - Durham, NC

We must all care about the Medicare problems since we will all need it someday.

Sandra Hamilton - Crestview, FL

I think Medicare part D is a joke. I feel like I am paying for drug coverage and it does not cover anything! I am beginning to think I am wasting my money.

Karen Carron - Central Lake, MI

I need you to start working for the people who have worked for years probably for you and lots of people that you know. Its great for people in your position that have never worried about health care, and never will. Seniors only have so much money in a month. They grow up thinking that Social Security will take care of them. The next generation was better informed about Social Security and that they will have to have other money to survive. Thanks for reading this, and I hope its done some good.  Sincerely,  Karen Carron

Shaee Khatapoush - Los Angeles, CA

There are many things wrong with Medicare part D.  From the start, choosing a plan each year, comparison shopping, having no control over the formulary list or amount limitation, and many, many more things wrong. Why the donut hole any way? Patients who're sicker and require more medicine, and who most probably can't wrok should not be punished. Furhter more, what about when a patient has a reaction to a drug that costs $400.00 and has to now pay for an alternative? Why should patients who are sick because of medical neglect or physician mistakes have to have an additional burden? Part D was a bogus, designed to protect the insurance and drug companies, and AARP, the proclaimed senior advocate, was pat of the debocle. Let us join the civilized world. Please, rehaul the system. Sincerely, Shaee Khatapoush

Frederick Walker - El Centro, CA

I definately want my voice heard about Medicare Reform.  I have Cancer and I've shelled out many thousands, while Medicare has allowed for very little, if any.  They could care less.  The people there couldn't even answer simple questions about their reasoning concerning their policies, and reasons on non-payment, ---even a little.  The leader of our government, particularly the "stupid" Bush, makes me sick.  His actions, or lack of it, were more like the incidious cancer.  He eats us up and spits us out without a thought.

Howard J Cohen, Ph.D. - Palo Alto, CA

We need universal single payer health care with NO involvement by private insurance companies except for optional suppplemental coverage.

robert - McDowell, KY

I think it's ashame to rip off seniors that have work all their lives and give insurance & medication to people who have never worked.  They receive the gold card (medicaid).

anna sciarrotta - metairie, LA

Jerry Jacobs - Merion, PA

Joseph Ciccarelli - Galway, NY

Multi-payer system too confusing and costly for claims submissions by providers and payer claims operations reimbursement. However, PAYERS OWN CONGRESS  Single payer system provides no incentive for quality care delivery.  Therefore a hybrid system providing universal coverage which includes private and medicare could be the answer. Simply increase Medicare coverage for all. Let private insurers compete OR FAIL. This seems to be most logical. But, again, as the Senator said "PAYERS OWN THE PLACE!". THEY WILL CRY..."WE'RE TOOOOOO BIIIIIG TO FAAAAIIIILLLL!!!"

M. Marguerite Mathews - Durham, NH

Miriam Beacham - Fairburn, GA

Medicare drug prices are too high

hildred  sprayregen - mission viejo, CA

Medicare Plan D is a horror.....only good for the drug and insurance companies.  The consumer is being fleeced and paying a lot for the "priviledge!

Howard Sperling - Norwalk, CT

Thank you for helping give each citizen an opportunity to become involved in trying to help fix the absurdities incorporated into the current Medicare System.

Diane Pinsker - Los Angeles, CA

You just don't know (or really concern yourself with) what an incomprehensible & unconscionable program Medical is until you have a loved one who needs your help with it.  Medical needs to be completely revamped so that the elderly can get easier and simplified access to benefits, get extremely reduce costs for medical care and RX to match the limited resources someone who is old, ill and without income potential has, to create a free advocacy program to help the seniors who are too distressed, depressed or physically sick to handle all of the paperwork, phone-calls and follow-up (and to give some relief to their offspring of the daunting task of caring for their elderly parents while trying to survive themselvesl), and I could go on.  I don't have all the answers, but together, we baby boomers have to fix this NOW!

p stevens - knoxville, TN

Carole Jackson - Ribera, NM

It is hard to believe that the Congress created such a complicated and unfair system for its citizens.  I sincerely hope that more humanitarian minds will prevail and that all of the damage that has been done in this program will be undone.

Giles Walker - Kirklin, IN

Eric W. Putt - San Diego, CA

Ditto! Perhaps deregulation is the key...

Sylvia E. Gruber - Mineola, NY

PLEASE BE KIND ENOUGH TO READ THIS THOROUGHLY.    THANK YOU,  SYLVIA E. GRUBER

LeRoy Hamm - Montgomery, TX

About the time you try to work money into your  budget, They raise the cost of medicine by 8% in one month.

June - Fall River, MA

Mark Johnson - santa Rosa, CA

I am trying to live within this current nightmare... help!

James Arond-Thomas - Ypsilanti, MI

Please act NOW to fix these problems with Medicare.  J. Arond-Thomas

James Harvey - Seattle, WA

Excellent summary of the major problems with  Medicare Part D, issues (including the donut hole) that were ignored and swept under the rug when Part D was enacted.

Bill Monroe - juno beach, FL

Please fix the cost of drugs

Dolores R. Centanni - Manchester, NJ

Virginia Grenier - Baton Rouge, LA

Donald W. Price - Anderson, SC

Lenore & Shale Gollop - Inver Grove Hts, MN

Please don't let Medicare go away or get worse.

Carol Neary - New Berlin, WI

The insurance companies charge what ever they want.  I have one  precription and pay $34.70 for the D part.  My prescription is $8  I got in on it  becasue if I didn't it would cost more later.    You would think that they would have  different levels that woldn't cost so much.  They are not being fair.

eleanor O'Donnell - Saratoga Springs, NY

This is just so right on. It blows my mind that legislators can't realize the complexity that are asking seniors to plow thru to stay healthy.

Jonathan B Edwards, Sr. - Wilson, NC

peggy parrott - sevierville, TN

medicare was created to help seniors,not drug companies.

Monalee Bodner - Ft. Lauderdale, FL

The government needs to step in and reform the way Medicare works. Most senior citizens can't make heads or tails out of all the programs that are out there.

Brian Vandermark - Greensboro, NC

The Hole in the Do-nut loop hole is devastating financially for someone like me who is disabled and on a fixed income!  If I weren't on the public dole and receiving free medication from Pfizer Drugs I would be in serious trouble medically.  I can't afford the pricey drugs that these drug companies charge for their potions!  Uncle Sam needs to give us a break and get tough with the drug companies.

Virginia Hardt - Green Valley, AZ

I have very high drug bills and would like to be treated fairly by the drug programs and Medicare.  I worked hard all of my life and always paid taxes and supported the USA.  Now that my income has been reduced significantly, my drug costs have become so much more as I am now in "the donut hole".  It took me only 4 1/2 months to reach this point.  We need to find a way to help seniors who have problems paying for their medicines and not force us to make choices that may cost more money in the future because the correct medicine or doses could not be taken.  We need reforms or modifications so that everyone can be has access to good health care and inexpensive medicines!

Anita Sardona - Buffalo, NY

When I'm in the so called donut hole, it is a real string on my budget.

Billy W. Underwood - Moore, OK

It's very disgusting for our government to treat our seniors in such a manner. We are supposed to be taking care of our elderly not  take advantage of them. My mother falls in to the donut hole every year and it is very ridiculous with what she has to pay for her health insurance for her also to pay greatly for her meds also. Thanks  Ret. Msgt. Billy W. Underwood

Dennis Williams - Snellville, GA

It is frustrating to an individual to have to confront the insurance and drug giants who have set the rules to benefit them.  Medicare has turned into a plan for the large insurance and drug corporations.  Perhaps they should be honest with the American people and tell us that this is a program for them and that the patients are only a means to their ends.

Donald Kvarnberg - Chelsea, MI

connie slaughter - louisville, KY

Hubert D'Cruze - Silver Spring, MD

Medicare is very complicated.

Joseph Dunn - Grand Blanc, MI

sharon quara - river edge, NJ

Suzanne Levering - Vero Beach, FL

Isbel Palans - Marble, CO

Have yet to understand why the government is prohibited from negotiating better prices for drugs from the various pharmaceutical companies and insurance companies...this needs to be changed, as does the infamous "donut hole"...why on earth would our legislators ok such ridiculous policies...and why was this medicare drug plan originally passed in the early hours of the morning???

Carol  E.  Munoz - Mint Hill, NC

The medicare discount $90 somethoing for the par B  and I paid $  279.00 for the supplermentary with AARP, For  what, when I go pick my refills I have to spend $ 200.00. Don"t tell me enroll my mediicare in an HMO because they wait for the last minute to sen you to the specialist and dend you a procedure if you nedeed. The last thing is you work all your life aqnd save a little money and then have to paid back yo you. Thanks Carol Munoz

JAMES DALLEMAND - Waterford, MI

Stuart Novick - East Windsor, NJ

I am currently In the doughnut whole and can't afford my medication. HELP

Ron Evans - Crossville, TN

Please fix this animal ASAP

Brian Zeek - Huntington Beach, CA

I am a licensed insurance broker that has to deal with this stuff all the time. Dealing with these products actually cost us money to do the right thing. We have to quite often and we do, send people to a plan that we do not get paid on. Do you think most brokers will do that? I know brokers that will not work in this arena anymore. because it takes to much time away from them as they try to make a living for themselves. The shame of this is, independent brokers are really seniors few allies.  Does anyone think if a senior calls AARP or Blue Cross  any of the other carriers that they will direct them to another plan if it is more suitable???? We actually had one carrier within the certification process said we could not contact our congressman or insurance commissioner with grievances. There are just a few tweaks and Medicare would be a great system again! This may be one of the most rigged game in the health care/insurance arena! Thank you Brian Zeek

VICTORIA WALKER - SPARKS, NV

It's not like Legal Drugs are a luxury item.  We need them in order to live a half way comfortable life.  I have RA and the drug I need to depend on costs $1700.00 a mounth + or - .  My Husband and I both have lost our jobs and I am miserable without it.  What kind of a life is that?  You might as well shot yourself then go thru life feeling like I do now.  Spiritually you can't do that so we all need help to live out our Senior years.

Jean Cook - Signal Mt, TN

We need to all work to get Medicare better

carolyn l mikleson - alsip, IL

I am new to medcare and had to sign up for part D what a shock if this is serious I won"t have a life just give all my money to the insurance compnies and the drug companies .I'd like to know what the congressmen and senitors are paying when the our retired

Sarah Hardy - Anniston, AL

We both have breathing problems and the drugs we need so we can breathe cost so much we could not buy them please don't take it away

elizabeth heintz - winamac, IN

my dr wanted me to go on enjection for reumatoid arthritis which helps keep it under control i would meet my doughnut hole in 2 months i cant afford that so i have to suffer

Sarah Easter - Ronco, PA

Advantage plans raise there monthly premium and then raise the co-pay on your drugs. I had to apply to the company to get the medication that I need for RA because I could not afford the co-pay on the Part D drug plan. You pay  amonthly premium for Part D and when I had to get an inhaler the plan only paid $4 and I had to pay $38. I also applied to the company for the inhaler so that I wouldn't be put in the "donut hole" and have to pay the full amount for the drugs. Being a senior citizen is not what I expected after working all my life.

Gail Weyant - Roslindale, MA

I resent paying for prescription coverage through an insurance company and then having them either refuse to cover a particular drug and/or using their portion of the payment to push me into the "donut hole" more quickly.  This whole program is a scam and is of  little or no help to struggling seniors and disabled people.

Sue Prather - Claremore, OK

Christina Brigadier - North Royalton, OH

Re: Medicare Part D :Coverage offered is inadequate and potentially financially devastating.  All other insurance companies negotiate for the lowest price.  Medicare needs to do the same and totally eliminate the coverage gap and require coverage for prescriptions to be filled as rendering physician requests. This particular generation has work ethic, respect for all of humanity and has served their country well and strong.  They have held themselves accountable to all financilal obligations, raised their families,helped and in many cases supported their parents, and are now helping with their grandchildren.   Re: All Parts of Medicare:  Far too cumbersome and confusing for most elderly and even their families that are trying to help them with decision-making to comprehend.  Please make this major transition in their lives simple and pain free.  There are ways to do this.  Bail-out this plan to make it workable and relieve the stress and anxiety that all these plans contribute to.  Thank you for this consideration.

Marlene Glac - Troy, MI

You must read this - You have to help Seniors who put so much into this - This is The United States of America - we must help our own people before anyone else - Thank  you - Marlene Glac

James L. Dyer - Howell, MI

Jerry Bennett - Arlington, TN

Doyal Powell - Fredonia, KS

When taking expensive drugs that have a cost of 1400.00 per month there is help but there are also gaps that can cause great amounts of money that you end up owing. I will be starting medicare in august and what plans in part D that I have looked at tells me I won't be able to continue with this medication.

Joshua B. Butler - East Point, GA

Fix MEDICARE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Josephine Rivas Conley - San Leandro, CA

I like Medicare....I just don't like the Medicare Part D Drug Plan and the Dreaded Donut Hole....It certainly has changed my life for the worse in the stress level of hoping I can continue my Medications as Prescribed by my Medical Doctors.

Dianne Gnass - Dimondale, MI

charles hamer - early, TX

medicare is confusing on all fronts

Doris Ballard - Berwick, ME

They've done such a great job on Medicare ... and now they want to completely take over the ENTIRE healthcare system! Out of the frying pan ... and into the inferno!

Imogene Reid - Prospect, TN

Jeanette Stomber - Naples, FL

Jack Parham - Greenwood, SC

martha love - savannah, GA

James H Worden - Maple Grove, MN

My parents both lived to be over 90.  With the way things are, I doubt if I will be even close to 90 at death.

Sandra Benguian - Trenton, MI

Terri M. Brunner - Saint George, UT

I am disabled and on Medicare and I am having problems with an insurance plan that will accept the medications I have been taken for 6 years.  The cocktail of medications I take has taken a long time for me to get the right medicine, this is very frustrating to know have to find new medicines that might work.  Right now I have had to go off two of my medicines until my Doctor can find ones to replace it and then I do not know if they will help me. Once I get to the donut-hole I do not know how I will pay, because I only have my social security money once a month.  Please help

ROCHELLE CLARK - SCOTTSDALE, AZ

FIX IT ALL FOR THE PEOPLE ADVANTAGE

Suzanne Meeks - Memphis, TN

I agree that an overhaul of medicare drug plans is overdue.  But there must be cost effectiveness built in.

Lorraine Chimerine - Scottsdale, AZ

This pharmical insurance that we have from medicare is a big joke. When the insurance company takes it off the formulary I have to change meds that keep my cholesterol low so I don't have another heart attack. The money that I pay goes against  my doughnut hole including the money that the insurance company pays for the medicine. This is insane. The older we get the more meds we have to take the the less we can afford to pay for them. There are meds that I pay for myself, without the insurance, as I don't want it to go against my doughnut hole as I take other meds that are more expensive.

joy - lebanon, MO

Dennis  Koopy - Parma, OH

Tralisa Harwood - East Ridge, TN

Please fix Medicare for our elderly who depend on it now, the boomers who will be depending on it as well as the generations to come who will be paying for it.

Robert E. Pavol - Canton, MI

Inez V. White - Stone Mountain, GA

Alison Ray - Norman, OK

The doctors need to be better educated as to what costs the least and patients need to be armed with this info themselves, as do their family and/or caregivers. I become so frustrated because one hand does not know ,(or can't keep up with), what the government's little hands are doing. My little hands are drying my mom's tears of frustration because she is so disillusioned.Physicians need continuing education just to know if they are taking away someone's ablility to eat.

Randall Tuttle - Davisburg, MI

Help PLEASE!

Charles Rosenberg - Melrose, FL

Medicare is a money tree for the insurance companys and as it is now does not operatre for the beneit of the retiree.

John Glosek - Burlington, NC

Kia - Centreville, MD

Althelia Wilson - columbia, SC

Please no that the medicare part D is not all it pretends to be. My parents are living on a fix income and can barely pay there bills, let alone pay extra for medicine and premiums to participate in the Part D plan when medicare already deducts preminums prior to the check being deposited to the bank. Surely help/change is needed.

Billy Robbins - Delray Beach, FL

barbara duncan - bonifay, FL

i am unable to get the breathing meds i need-i have to get what they tell me to get--i also have 1 breathing med i need to take 2 times a day--they will only give me enough for 1 time a day--whats with this?   do they think they know more than my dr.?i dont understand how they think they have the right to tell us what we need and dont need.my life is in the hands of the government now --not the drs. hands any more.old people in this country are just thrown aside-we are in the way--we are no longer usefull,so the government no longer cares about us-the sooner we die the better for them-God help us all!!!!!!!

Robert Hildreth - Buhl, ID

Kris Larsen - Ottawa, KS

Please help make important changes w/ Medicare.  The issues that I have encountered for my mother include the dreaded do-nut hole and the ongoing rental of equipment............Also the Part D is too difficult for many seniors to maneuver and if they do not have assistance they are unable to respond appropriately.

Irene E. Garrettson - Denton, MD

I work with Senior's and hear a lot of dishearten, and dishonor for all the time, years they have put in to help make this a great country under "GOD"...So sad...

Richard Schwaller - Northville, MI

First we must fix what has been wrong with medicare which primarily is the idea of a "donut hole"

marybrown - hazard, KY

Edward J. Zwolensky Jr. - Grand Blanc, MI

I concur with the 10 things wrong with Medicare.

joyce brown - granite bay, CA

jon smith - clayton, KS

Sign up open window closes before you find out what the plan will cover.

Marie McLaughlin - Port Richey, FL

WE NEED THESE CHANGES. THERE ARE TOO MANY PEOPLE WITHOUT HELP. LISTEN TO THE PEOPLE.

Sarah Garrison - Grand Blanc, MI

donna sullivan - tulsa, OK

Dawn M Craik - Madison, TN

Medicare Part D should cover most of the medications with "only" a small deductible for persons signed up for Part D.

Carol Braddy - Tampa, FL

As a CMC, Certified Geriatric Care Manager, I can tell you that the 10 identified problems are right on the money!!  But I see it as the government's fault for not thinking the Part D program through and now continuing to allow the misuse of this program.  The program that was set up to assist seniors with affordable prescription  coverage has ended up costing them even more!

Gerald Gee - Houston, TX

I need help paying these hospital bills.

richard  jongema - acworth, GA

I think the doughnut  hole is unfair to us whom had work 30 or 40 years& be forced to paid o before in out of pocket, it should be a higher  amount  before it kicks in.   richard  jongema  and  linda  jongema

Margaret Ware - Williamstown, MA

Jean Graves - Austin, TX

I haven't had any problems with Medicare yet.  I have a good Medicare Supplemental Plan and prescription coverage; however, I know many cannot afford these costs.  With the 90+ dollars deducted from by SS, the supplemental plan and prescription coverage it adds up to about $250 monthly.  I can see the writing on the wall and much needs to be done in order for those needing help to not have to spend their later years worrying about being taken care of.

sharon - orlando, FL

Barbara Parks - Newton Hamilton, PA

Changes are long overdue to Medicare Part D.  I am one of the unfortunate ones who is prescribed a host of medications, including diabetic and breathing medications.  But, there are times I just cannot afford to pay the extra charges incurred.  This is not fair.  Sometimes I wish I was on state welfare, all their prescriptions are 1.00.  All the senior citizens should be so lucky.  So, let's get on the ball guys, change it.

Beverly Tallent - Louisville, KY

I am a RN who became disabled at age 50. I hit the donut hole due to needed medications and inflated prices. I am told by my local pharmacy that I cannot pay for my generics on my own..they still turn it in to my policy and it is going towards the true out of pocket expense. I am nearly in the hole now. Americans should be able to have their medicines. It is the one factor that REDUCES health care costs. We need CHANGE NOW!!!!

Kristine Orluck - Minneapolis, MN

Margaret Vance - Easton, MD

Please read this e-mail

joyce groh - Centreville, MD

As a SHIP benefits counselor, I encounter clients everyday that Medicare just does not work for especially those clients with diabetes. I suggest decreasing the number of companies that participate in the Part D program, standardize the drug formularies. Remember to include reasonable pricing for insulin. Question--how can Walmart, CVS, Target and other pharmacies offer generic drug fo $10 for a 90 day supply and the Part D plans can not?

Mike Green - Gordonville, TX

mary stewart - plattsburgh, NY

Sandra Nash - Bishop, GA

Sam & Carol Pierce - Orange Beach, AL

If all of this is true or if only part of this is true, you government officials shold be ashamed of what you are doing to the people who voted for you bevause you promised a change & that would fix these problems for the American citizens.

margaret black - edgewood, MD

fix medicare drug part D plan.........reduce the prices on advair and sprivira and alll other drugs.  medicare don't care about the poor people that has to pay,the cost for drugs, not only do we pay the premiums each month but pay for the small drugs and don't put them on the insurance, because I would reach the Donut too fast.  what wrong with medicare are they for the Drug Co.?

theresa - maule, FL

T. Brown - Owings Mills, MD

Additionally, Medicare does not provide preventive health coverage such as annual physical exams.  It's like saying, "We can't help you to prevent health problems, but when you do have a serious problem, Medicare will provide you with limited coverage...in spite of the all the money you pay." The Medicare system is not structured to protect seniors, but to simply profit from them as their health is allowed to detriorate.

Marsha Ann High - Mesquite, TX

I agree with all of the top ten things wrong with medicare and more.  Marsha Ann High

Barbara Feltman - Indianapolis, IN

As a 51 year old working with seniors in health care, I am appalled to find my patients stop taking their meds about May or June because they can no longer afford them. They cannot make progress in Physical Therapy if they aren't taking some of their meds, so when they can't make progress we are required to discharge them from PT. And this issue hasn't come to the public light yet, since such a small proportion of Medicare beneficiaries are receiving outpatient (non-hospital-based) PT at any one time.

Alyson Sell - Mentor, OH

My mother is at the mercy of that whole in coverage and her medications are extremely costly. She lives in an assisted living and is on a small fixed income that pays for her assisted living, period. I am 62 years old and would like to see this fixed before I retire, which is a few short years away. Please do something. The Baby Boomers are on their way to retirement. We not only have to worry about our aged parents, we have to be concerned about what will occur when our generation retires.

Sandra Boulis - Ashley, MI

When you are unable to work it hard to get the money to pay for medication. Thing need to change.

Christy Boulis - Ashley, MI

It is hard to pay for Medicine on Medicare when your income is limited. You have to chose between paying your house hold bills or getting your medication.

T. Mark McClure - Martinez, GA

Carol A  Smith - Pawcatuck, CT

Change medicare part D  Negociate prices

connie usher - st. petersburg, FL

I have had similar problems with them also only to be bounced back and forth between the system that we have paid for with OUR tax dollars over the years when we were able to work.

patricia gonzales - crystal river, FL

Richard C. Pagella Sr. - Worton, MD

DO SOMETHING FOR YOUR CONSTITUENTS INSTEAD OF YOUR LOBBYISTS AND YOURSELF FOR ONCE.

Geraldine Meeks - Ashdown, AR

Julie Peters - Janesville, WI

Medicare gets ripped off by the constant overmailing of diabetes drug supplies to my house.  When I have asked the Doctor's Diabetic Supply Company to stop sending me way over the amount of supplies I require or batteries that can be bought cheaper elsewhere, the co. will not comply.  I finally dropped them, but I tried another company and it is pretty much the same story.

Mary McDonald - North Branch, MN

We have to decide between food or drugs.  Can't afford a Supplemental Insurance am stuck with Medicare.  Please fix it there are many seniors in this same prediciment.

Robert Bracken - Santa Monica, CA

Why is it that the USA has one of the worst records of taking care of our seniors in the world?  We should be ashamed!

Arthur Stencel - Aurora, CO

I would like to see all plans have to be the same with about three different levels of coverage. Like medicare Supplemental plans Then it wouldn't be so confusing. It would be just who has the best price or who you like best. Take out the dounet hole.  Arthur Stencel

David Haugland - Wells, MN

We are all sick and tired of our lives being reduced to nothing more than a dollar sign to corporate America. This country has gone to war against Nazis, Communists, and terrorists, I think it's time to wage war against corporate greed and our health care system. Right now, the differences between fore and the latter are growing real hazy!

Joyce McRoy - Harvest, AL

Why are medications so expensive ??? And why are not Single Payer at the table for health reform (so-call) ? We understand the control the Insurance and the Big Pharm have over our lack of health care in our country but what is going to be done ? I believe the system is so corrupt that more people will have to die before something is done.I voted for the President because I like other seniors and those who do have insurance were hopeful. But as I see who the chairperson is  conducting the meetings and his entangled conflict of interest I am losing hope that we will ever see REFORM in health care.  Thank you

Shirley Felix - Syracuse, NY

Medicare is making it impossible for the eldery to be healthy because they make it so we cannot get proper care and  medication.  Most of us are on limited incomes but do not qualify for SSI or insurance that we don't have to pay for.  Our little money has to go to pay insurance premiums, regular insurance, medicare insurance, medicare part "D" and then the deductubles and then the co-pays and then the donut hole which makes it so the $250+ drug we take has to be paid for in full by us plus we still have to find a way to pay our living expenses (shelter, utilities ($500+) a month in the winter plus phone, food, etc) It is just wrong the way we are treated.  Most of us worked all of our adult lives and paid our taxes and now we are getting the shaft.

Donna Kowalski - Waterford, MI

Medicare needs to be fixed.  The drugs that have been on the market as brand names for more than 5 years needs to be changed to a generic.  The "donut hole" needs to go away.  Who can afford a medicine that costs so much in the "hole" that you can't continue to take it and possibly causes death by not having it?  What retiree can come up with thousands of dollars extra a month to cover these medications when on a fixed income?  We need the system fixed.

Jerry Ickes - Montpelier, IN

Tell me about it. With my heart problems and the drugs I take I will be in the donut hole after five months. The insurance companys should not have this much power. If you figure up the cost of your drug card plus the cost you pay on each drug you take there is very little savings for us.

Milagros Perez - Orlando, FL

Joanna Schoeneman - Lincoln, NE

I bought a supplement for Medicare D through AARP and I can get the same drugs cheaper through online Canadian drugs.  Thats a joke.  For my Drugs my supplement does not help at all.

diane wroblewski - spring, TX

please fix the medicare drug plan and the medicare program to help the people not hinder them.

Gail Smith - Dalton, GA

anthony lauria - new haven, CT

i agree on the top ten things , the people who said to get this program should be in this sist with all of us who have medicine to take every day for the rest of there life .

Pat L Archer - Houston, TX

Tajuana McPherson - Albany, GA

You are correct, medicare needs some major work. I have several health conditions and there are several medication that they won't cover. I'm sure you know what that means. I have to suffer because I can't afford it and you already know that medicare benefits only pay enough to get by and that is it. I have a three year old son and now my situation gets complicated because I can't let my child starve, and when you seek assistace for food stamps the reply is you make too much disability to qualify. If you ask me the whole system needs to be fixed.

frances m. gilbert - bethlehem, PA

Please help us senior citizens with our medications. We are priced right into the donut hole. We need to be able to get generics when we are willing to take them. Not taking them on the lists they give us with our Plan D

Robert Evans - Antioch, IL

Elizabeth M STern - HAMPTON, NH

This is very important information. Why should people who have worked all their lives and paid insurance costs be penalizes when they retire and now are probably more sick than at any other time in their lives  At this point people need help not increased costs or denials of necessary medications. Give us the same health coverage as the members of congress!!!!!!!

Lynda Lawson-Usher - Enfield, CT

If we can hand these Banks our hard earned tax money to bail out their mistakes, why should we have to wait 9 long months while they wreck the recovery by upping rates without cause to pay for their failures. They got our money fast, we need relief from their abuse now, not in 9 months. Besides Bank of America used our tax money to buy out another Bank..That isn't right, they did it with our money.. We never got even a thank you from BOA, instead we got hit with higher rates now, while Congress said, "We have to wait 9 months'? This is wrong. Medicare fraud and paying Insurance companies when people have opted out is a billion dollar waste also.

Anna Hopkins - Lincoln, NE

Medicare needs to become "user friendly"  Seniors cannot make wise decisions based on the extremely confused and confusing options. The donut hole makes NO SENSE. Please study up on this and make appropriate changes.  A. Hopkins

Donna Spencer - Eucha, OK

The "Top ten Things Wrong With Medicare" list is  true, why are  the pharmaceutical companies allowed to govern this.  Another letting the fox guard the hen house event.

c butler - annapolis, MD

drug prices are too high,disabled people cnat afford them on a fixed income,the 2 year wating period before you are approved for medicare-social security,fluctuating co pays.

Lucille Flora - Trenton, NJ

My husband & I signed up under the AARP medicare plan and according to the drug list should have been covered for all our drugs, however when we received our 2009 booklet 3 of the  expensive drugs are not covered under this year's plan and it was too late to choose another plan.  I find this very fustrating when I do a lot of research before choosing a plan because my husband takes a lot of medications. The true cost of all medications need to be set in stone before the end of Novemeber so we have all the correct information we need.

Beatrice P. Soublet - East Point, GA

RAYMOND WONG - GREENVILLE, MS

I agree wholeheartedly.  Medicare is not taking care of us in need properly.

nancy der - woodbridge, VA

all of this is true, it took me two years to figure out how to stay out of the donut hole.  i buy the most expensive drugs i use from canada. they work great, usually by this time i am in the donut hole by the end of april. not true for me this year.

Darlene Kalesse - Folcroft, PA

Mary Lewis - Topeka, KS

Fix Medicare Please.

Mary Decker - Smiths Grove, KY

Gary Lee Haynie - Farber, MO

JAMES J. WHITE - EUCLID, OH

THE PRESENT MEDICARE DRUG PLAN (PART D) IS TOTALLY GEARED TO ENRICH THE DRUG MANUFACTURERS. GIVE THE MEDICARE TAXPAYERS A BREAK!

John A Bartus - Denver, NC

Kathleen Ann Hogan - Council, ID

When a person needs a medicine to help them breathe, they should NOT have to wait for it.

Gary E Wright - Methow, WA

Lois Jones - Houston, TX

I am not at the age for medicare, but God willing I will be someday and I need to know that the system is going to work for me. I don't want to spend most of my life working and have all my savings go for medicine and health care. If this can't be fixed, then stop taking Medicare taxes out of my wages and let me save that money for my own health care.

Lee Ann Jackson - San Antonio, FL

Yes, I want to support improvement of Medicare.  When we were working, we had wonderful health (including prescriptions) and dental insurance that, yes we paid for; but now we're left paying for supplemental insurance that's not terrific, toatlly without dental insurance and with very limited coverage through Part D for prescriptions--and it still costs us more!  We are now buying over-the-counter medicines for my husband's allergies and he's going without one of the medicines because it's too expensive.  He's suffering physically for lack of proper medicines.  Not only that, since I'm two years younger than he is and I was on his old health insurance family policy, I popped off his family policy and have to buy my own insurance for two years until I'm eligible for Medicare.  Since my husband went on Medicare, we are spending over $1000 a month out of our budget for poorer medical coverage!  It's really put us in a bind!

wilma epstein - encino, CA

the medicare part d program is an outrage!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! the cost to the American tax payer is reprehensible.all other prescription programs negotiate with the pharmaceutical companies.medicare part d because of the brilliance of our elected officials can not.who benefits????? insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies. GRAND THEFT

Lawrence Walthorn - Gowan, MI

I think it is time to appreciate those who have worked and served in this country when they grow older. Change is necessary to ease the hardship of those who are retired like myself.

james paul brown - huntsville, AL

Ronald Maulhardt - Marshfield, MO

Kenneth A Hall, Sr. - Picayune, MS

Let's try to get this right while my wife & I are still alive!

Larry Martin - Staffordsville, KY

I agree with the petition of top ten things wrong with medicare. I belive our goverment rep.should have medicare benifits be more infavor of the benificary than the insurance and drug companys.ps. LOOKS LIKE IT NEEDS A LOT OF WORK!!!!!

Sally Keuthan - Carmel, IN

This is my story, I was ready to give-up and give-in when I  received it...what else can I do to help?

John metz - Saint augustine, FL

SALLY BURDICK - MYRTLE BEACH, SC

Have experienced many of these things - especially with the drug plan.  They drop coverage of a certain drug mid year or suddenly require pre authorization.  Some require the physician to get on the internet to download the forms to be filled out.  How many MDs have time to do this.  The drug companies are making a mint out of this program.

Mary Napier - Detroit, MI

Make it better and less confusing for the people

Gail Young - Chicopee, LA

I was taken off the extra help program and finding it difficult to get back on

ARLENE KOBLEY - HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL

PLEASE WORK ON DRUG PLAN.  MY HUSBAND IS ON MEDICARE PART A & B PLUS UNITED HEALTHCARE ARRP SUPPLEMENTAL DRUG PLAN.  HE HAS A HEART MEDICINE WHICH IS $65.00 A MONTH, I PURCHASED TAMIFLU $63.00 SAME MONTH PLUS ADDITIONAL MEDICINES.  WE ARE TRYING TO DO THE RIGHT THING WITH OUR ADDIONAL INS PLAN MUTUAL OF OMAHA. BUT THE PRICE OF MEDICINE KEEPS ME WORKING. HE HAS COPD, HIP REPLACEMENT BAD KNEES AND TAKES ABOUT 10 MEDICATIONS.

linda d waddles - plymouth, OH

THIS MUST BE DONE. MY BROTHER DIED 2 WKS AGO DUE TO THE FACT THAT HE HAD TO SPLIT HIS PLAVIX PILLS IN HALF, BECAUSE HE COULD NOT AFFORD TO BUY THEM AS OFTEN AS HE SHOULD HAVE. SAME THING WITH HIS COPD BREATHING PILLS. MY MOTHER IS IN THE SAME POSITION. WE MUST TAKE CARE OF OUR CITIZENS. HOW DO PEOPLE EXPECT TO RECEIVE THE HELP THEY NEED TO SURVIVE IF THEY CAN NOT AFFORD THE EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE PRESCRIPTIONS!!!!!!!!!!

Marianne Pecoraro - Duluth, GA

I think its time to re-evaluate the medicare system.  I don't understand why it has to be so confusing and costly.  Enough time has gone by that the difficulties and concerns that seniors face should now be apparent.

Clive A Hammant - Yardley, PA

As a former pharmaceutical company employee and brand new retiree I give top marks to the Federal Government for the ease and simplicity of the Medicare enrollment process. However I give a "D minus" for the various privately conceived Medicare Advantage and Part D programs. It is virtually impossible to make sensible comparisons amongst the various offerings and I believe that is by deliberate intentI would love to see our government compete in those areas as it might bring a bit more discipline to the marketplace.   I also believe that healthcare is a personal responsibility, that we should take care of ourselves sensibly, and that we should use our medical services frugally and responsibly. That too should go for our healthcare professionals who are currently driven both by personal financial considerations and by threat of litigation to schedule more consultations and tests than are strictly necessary for what is still for the most part a healthy population. Perhaps State or Federal agencies, using scientific data derived from HMO and insurance company databases, should come up with evidence-based recommendations for such practices.   Similarly, it may be time to grasp the nettle of evidence based medicine in its broadest context, as is done in much of Western Europe. That rule should apply particularly to hospitals, which account for a major slice of the healthcare budget and which are littered with bloated and unnecessary practices.  Sincerely,  Clive Hammant, Vet MB

Clara Delporto - Erie, PA

Please have better prescription coverage.   Thank you.

Lela Flowers - Pontiac, MI

Please help those of us that need these medications by keeping the cost low enough for us to afford.  Reconstruct your Part D because if we could afford to pay for the expensive drugs out of pocket, we wouldn't need medicare......

Janet K Dixon - Kokomo, IN

lee clift - carolina beach, NC

The retail prices have really gotten HIGHER therefore getting to our donut criteria much too soon.  The program has turned into a RIPOFF.

edward laporte - amsterdam, NY

Norm Walker - Lakewood, CO

Adele Bon-Shannon, MSW - Center Valley, PA

I could not agree more As a social worker who works in the medical field and with an elderly population, Medicare is the best of the bunch of medical insurance but it needs a lot of work to do justice to those it is supposed to serve and those who fund it.

Judie White - West Plains, MO

As someone on disability, I require a lot of medication. Already, I am in the 'donut hole' and this month must start making the chioice between life saving medications, and my mortgage. How do I decide whether to make my family be homeless, or buy insulin and blood pressure meds to live? I was a hard worker for many years raising my family, and did not ask to become disabled..Along with the much lower income I and my family are now forced to live on, I must take ridiculously high-priced medications  (whether or not my plan D covers them) as well as frequent doctor visits, which were expenses I didn't have when working and bringing in much more money per month. Is this fair?  Should I have to make a choice as to whether I live or die, have a home or not for my family? I truly feel that the way the Plan D's are set up, it's a method of population control....."this person is too expensive to live, so we'll make the medications she needs either too expensive for her to pay for, or just remove it from everyone's formulary, but lets give BILLIONS of dollars to companies that have been horribly irresponsible, and save a conglomerate, even if there isn't anyone left alive to buy their products."  I am not asking for millions of dollars, just a chance to live and continue to provide my family with our home.

adrienne alexander - bethesda, MD

Kimberly Raby - Sophia, NC

Since I had to retire and go on this Medicare, it has gotten higher, you don't have the opportunity to get to change your benefits or your prescription drug coverage and I think that is very wrong.  I have two prescription drug coverages, one is through my husband's work which he works at the City of High Point, and then I have my Medicare Part D.  You would think between the two coverages that all of medications would be covered and paid for.  Wrong!  Some of medications still run me around $70.00 plus dollars and some are very low.  So it is a mix.  I guess it depends who is on the other side of the insurance companies' side and if they are in a good day or not that day whether you will get a good price or not.  I am just sick and tired of all the paperwork we have to and them wanting to know our history and I am not giving it to them.  With me already having two strokes, it is hard for me to read the big textbooks that they send out and try to figure out what has changed.  Well, my mind does not process like that at all now.  My memory is going, my thought process is going, etc.  Thank you for letting me voice my opinion!  Sincerely, K. Raby

Louis D. Rice - Livingston, TX

These are my thoughts on health reform that the White House has on their agenda.  First, if we are not going to have a single payer program, which works very well in other countries and here with Medicare and the Veterans, then there should be severe restrictions on what the insurance companies can and cannot do.  They should be required to accept all applicants.  They should not be able to exclude preexisting conditions.  They should not be able to cancel anyone for any reason except failure to pay premiums.  They should not be able to deny any procedure deemed necessary by your doctor.  There should be 100% coverage for all doctor, hospital and lab procedures.  They should not be able to refuse to pay for any prescription your doctor prescribes.  They should not be able to divide medicines into “tiers” and there should be 100% coverage for all medicine.  At a minimum the Medicare Part D drug coverage should be eliminated.  It presently allows the insurance companies a free hand to charge what ever they want, eliminate coverage’s for drugs at any time while the individual can only change insuers once a year. We are also paying the insurance companies to help keep the premiums down – what a deal – they are laughing all the way to the bank (or exec bonus).  When Medicare first came out, the insurance companies were selling all kinds of supplemental policies and one almost had to be a lawyer to understand them.  Congress finally reformed Medicare Supplemental policies so that all insurance companies had to offer the same coverage if they offered any coverage.  Plans are divided into alphabetical categories (like A, B, C, etc.) and all “A” plans have the same coverage, only the price can vary.  This is what we the voters are looking for in any new health care coverage.   Thank you,  Louis D. Rice

Melvina Huffman - Mount Airy, NC

I have always felt not being able to negotiate drug prices with the drug companies was wrong.  This needs to be changed and we all should be allowed to change drug plans if the insurance companies can change their formularies in such a way to cause me or anyone else to not be able to get our drugs.  Please fix the health care system for all of us who financially support it for those on Medicaid.  They can get medicines and all the over-the-counter supplies they need - we cannot.  We should not be penalized all the time with higher drug prices, higher co-pays, and dwindling benefits.  Why can't we get some help with over-the-counter supplies we need for after surgeries, etc.?  Right now it is costing us a fortune to deal with the open wound my husband has in his stomach from colon surgery last January - the incision won't heal.   Our State Employees Insurance will not help us pay for all the supplies we need - bandages, saline solution, etc. and we cannot get financial help with home health care.  Those on Medicaid can get all these things practically free - and we cannot - yet we are paying for theirs.  There is something very wrong with this story.  It needs to be fixed!

dee tatum - waynesboro, VA

Murray Zucker - Boynton Beach, FL

Nova G. Valenti - Grand Blanc, MI

I have had this happen to me.  After I signed up for Med. Part D -witha Co.  They changed the Medication - too a Higher Tier.  So the Med.  I am taking went up from $80.00 for  (3) month supply to $175.00 for a 3 month supply.  I am so disgusted -but my hands are tied.  I pay for the Med. than they pay out for the same.  Of course if I had to buy it from a Pharmacy they would also charge me big bucks.  I guess I need to figure it out.  But then I am penalised if I don't pay for the coverage.  Something has to be done.  I also do not want to go with a socialest - government.

Garry L Cox - Hammond, IN

Medicare and the Insurance/Drug Companies are ruining the health of the American people. People are not caring for themselves because they cannot afford it - even with benefits.  This is an ugly conspiracy that has gone unchecked for too long. Doctors cannot treat patients because they are too busy filling out paperwork to satisfy the insurance companies and medicare rules. What is wrong with this system?

Sandra - Clementon, NJ

I agree that something should be done with prescription medication.

Sandra Brown - Charlotte, NC

Lance Otto Edwardh - Burnsville, MN

Patricia Fashano - Williamsville, NY

This is a disgrace.  Let's get drug prices under control and stop the greed!

elaine mcabee - kinnekon, NJ

How can we be penilized for a gap in drug coverage - especially if  during this gap we needed no medication??? Even if we did - we were already penilized by paying in full out of pocket for any prescription.

Lawrence Vavra - Caldwell, TX

Karl Wester - Perris, CA

Cheryl Sorenson - Fort Dodge, IA

Medicade is just as bad. Even if you do qualify for the extra help, the state or government takes everything you own, or goes after your surviing family members. Two of the medications I need do not qualify for Medicare or Medicare Psrt D, because of the drug class they are in. I'm also one of those who can't afford to take two of my meds as perscribed by my doctors. And I'm only 50. What's going to happen in another 20-30 years? No womder alot f seniors commit suicide, they can't afford to stay alive.

Oris L Fine - Valparaiso, IN

Joellen Steffen - Comer, GA

Part D is a farce. There is no difference in price with part D as before medicare was available to me.

Janice Jones - Olive Hill, KY

c, Ernest Frohock - Pinehurst, TX

Judith Lindey - Ardsley, NY

Direct advertising to the public of prescription drugs should be prohibited just as it is in the rest of the woprld. Insurance companies should not be allowed to make a profit on health care.  Everyone should have the same medical coverage through a national health plan, not  geared to profit for the insurance companies.  Medical coverage should be paid for  by taxes when you are enployed.  This would relieve businesses from purchasing expensive medical insurance through individual companies.  Drug prices should be negotiated and the same price for everyone in every pharmacy in the country The French plan works. People get excellent care, choose their own doctors and don't wait  months for surgery. The French system of health care is not like Canada or England.  Stop feeding the insurance fat cats & the drug company CEO.

Camille Taylor - Lahaina, HI

sonia hemmings - hope, AR

Is very hard to have your insurer changed every year because companies  ( providers ) are fighting to see who gets your money . It should be to the people to choose their providers not like me that I'm stuck with a provider that don't provide . I can't get the meds I need because the " provider " doesn't pay for them . Please change this abuse but for the better  I don't mean a better abuse I mean get rid of the abuse. thanks     sonia hemmings

Robert A Smith - Mills River, NC

New to medicare but find it mind boggling. Find there's not much coverage at all. So for all those years paid into and this is what I receive.

Brenda Mason Morris - Roanoke, VA

Need more drug cost lesser payment  for medicare ins.A more than one time a year to change prior coverage.

Sallie A. Scott - Hagerman, ID

Only in the USA do drugs cost so much, why is that!  Our tax money goes to drug companys in the form of Grants and once they develope a new drug they make us pay again.  Not fair not fair at all, let the drug companys do the "bending over" for a change.

Roy Dubberly - Waycross, GA

Please Fix Medicare...

Vicki Stokes - Santee, CA

I have experienced being in the donut hole and as a result had to discontinue my medication.  Before Plad D came into effect I received my medications thru PPA.  Because I am a senior I was no longer eligable for medication through PPA  when Plad D was aproved.  We need change in medicare.

Patricia Kachold - Burbank, IL

Something must be done to make medications more affordable.  This past year I spent one half of my total Social Security on medications.  I am not a cancer patient either.  I have a few generic drugs but most of the pharmacies don't cover the few generics that I take. It's time we stop taking care of illegals medical expenses and started worrying about our American Citizens who paid into the system all their lives.

Karen Carron - Central Lake, MI

Henry Earl Harris - Clarksdale, MS

I am presently on Medicare and my wife will be on it next year I just received notice the other day that one of my supplement insurances just increased , I'm in favor of whatever financial help for those of who are on Medicare.

Joe Weaver - Garden City, KS

Please fix the things that are wrong with medicare

Sara Narcisi - allison park, PA

Charles & Gloria Slimmer - Mount Hope, WV

kathy lau - kent, WA

lue anne christensen - Olathe, KS

I definitely agree with the top ten things wrong with medicare list.  I have had the exact same thoughts especially since as a teacher who gets a state teachers' pension, I do not get social security or spousal social security.  Yet, I have to continue to have social security payments taken out of my part-time job pay check.  I wouldn't have to work part-time if I was able to collect the social security I have paid into and which my ex-husband paid into.  What a rip off by our governement!  Our president has said as have many other politicians that teachers need to be paid higher salaries; yet, because no one wants higher taxes teachers' salaries remain low and even lower once retirement begins.  Somehow the voice of the people needs to be heard by our Congress--and not just at election time when they try to persuade us to vote for their promises.

colleen peio - howey, FL

Medicare costs are way too high! They raise the cost you have to pay every year. I think people on Medicare or people with no insurance should be able to get the doctors attention they need, without paying 20%. They already take over $150.00 out of my social secutiry check for medicare. I live on social security, which no one can do. I have tests every 3 months and even with Medicare, they cost me over $200.00. How can I keep on getting tests, when I live on Social security and have a mortgage payment, electric bill, water bill, car payment, car insurance, etc? The government is slowly but surely killing off the old, disabled and non insured. America should pay for all AMERICANS health care. If the government would bring our troops home and let those 3rd world countries figure out how to get along, the government would not be in the trouble it is in. The government could save billions by bringing our troops home. Our troops could protect our borders, be doctors, pilots, computer experts and protect all our government buildings and other things they have been trained for. The government needs to take care of its own American people. Do you have any idea how many elderly go without eating or electric, because they cannot afford to live on Social Security? America should be ashamed of itself!!!

Kathy S Rodgers - Saluda, SC

The GOV> needs to look out for US the recipients! We pay for it every month out of our check and we are TIRED of being screwed!!!!!!

Lewis Mayes - Springfield, TN

RALPH - Blackwell, OK

Paul  Rowan - Kenosha, WI

We elect these politians to represent us and they end up passing laws that line the pockets of the drug companies. What a joke. Every penny I spend out of pocket for my drugs is taken off the $2500.00 I get for Part D. Last year I spent over $800.00 out of pocket and actually recieved about $1700.00 that Part D payed on my drugs. And as the drug companies raise the co-pays I get even less of the $2500.00. If I could I could get rid of about 95% of the people in congress I would then find some people who really have the interest of retired Americans as their first priority!

Myrna Marcis - South Bend, IN

Lee Land - Arlington, TX

I had to fight my insurance company four months to get medication that keep me from having to be in bed almost 24 hours per day.  I had to pay for it myself and could not afford it.  I have a struggle everytime Plan D enrollment comes along because the insurance company dropped my medications off the drug formulary.  Why can't I have an advantage plan with one company instead of regular medicare if it is the only one my doctor takes and their formularly won't cover my medications.  I lost coverage for a month in my prescription plan and then they cancelled my advantage plan - all after January 2009, but before time for any of my prescriptions to be filled.  I went two months without medication and was very, very sick.  I did not start to get better until my doctor called the insurance company and had a peer review to get them to cover what I need to keep me functioning at all.  Why does Medicaid cover benzodiazepines, but medicare won't?  Why is there such a short time frame to choose coverage and why do I have to change once a year because the formularies change at the drop of a dime with no regard for the patient?

Cleo  Smith - Houston, TX

I am in complete agreement with the TOP TEN THINGS WRONG WITH MEDICARE.

Patricia Woolf - Center Line, MI

REX KIRKES - HUNTINGTON, TX

OUR IDIOT PRESIDENT IS DOING ALL HE CAN TO MAKE IT HARD FOR OLD PEOPLE.

James Edward Godwin - Montgomery, AL

The Goverment is not the one to make decision on individual health care.   They don't do a good job of running the Post Office so why do a bunch of non-doctors think they can improve medical in the USA; just look at the failures in Canada and the UK.

joseph - folcroft, PA

there is not a dam thing thats going to change are greedy insure@ GOVERAMENT. wake the hell up people . want gas prices go down,(stop driving,what med taxs etc. stand up and fight back, or just let it happen.

Dean Zmuda - Cordova, TN

Mary D Shirley - Rock Hill, SC

All ten of the things described above are so obvious and have been from the inception of this confusing plan.  The cost of it to the tax payer far outweighs the benefits to the individual and the overall cost to the tax payer was misrepresented from the outset.  The monthly cost of the Prescription Plan D for me and my husband doubled this year over last and yet I take no regular prescription drugs and my husband takes only two.  I have so hoped that this administration would see the travesty of this bill and take steps to change it ASAP. It is obviously for the benefit of the insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies and not for the individual American.

William H. Edge - Riegelwood, NC

Please help us all on our drugs. It is hard to purchase drugs, and food, when the price of each are so high. Please help us, we are the little guys.    THANK YOU, GOD BLESS.

Robert R. Sharp - Peabody, MA

J. Roger Moody - Scottsdale, AZ

Lou Anna Olmstead - South Lake Tahoe, CA

Ralph Parrish - Houma, LA

All Insurance Companies must be regulated or put out of business

gayle donaldson - lex., KY

I cannot pay for my drugs when I get into the donut hole so I have to beg for samples or do without

JANET ZABKIEWICZ - VERO BEACH, FL

Gail Gappell - Northridge, CA

The drug companies are out of control.It is time for the government to take action on behalf of the seniors who depend upon it.

Stephen Groody - Ashland, PA

I am disabled  due to a stroke at the age of 56. I had to wait 2 years to get the medical insurance.Paying the Cobra premiums was a hardship. Right now I am in the donut hole. I don't know how I'm going to afford my seizure medicines. We do need changes and quick!

carrie tarbox - coos bay, OR

Sandor Caplan - Lawrenceville, NJ

This says it all!  Last year I wa INTO and OUT OF the donut hole by June.  This year the same thing will happen (displaced by a month or two)!  And to think that other countries have health care benefits which cover ALL medications (without copays) for ALL OF THEIR CITIZENS.  This whole matter is just plain UNCONCIONABLE.

Debra Denny - Marysville, CA

All of the above outline the major problems with Medicare,and the Part D medicine program

Stephen Mazza - Ocala, FL

I would like the medicare drug system to be more responsive to the needs of the people that need the help from the government.

Valerie Bonser - Ennis, MT

It's time we stand up for better prices and care. It's time the people in Washington stop the drug lobby people.

jerry  shaw - lou., KY

fix medicare the way you have your pension,and insurance plans.

Nancy & Harold Allen - Oregon, WI

They make us take the drug plan when I only take one RX; my husband only two RX.  They fine us if we do not take it. Our premiums doubled in a year so I found a cheaper plan and he stayed on his.  We pay more each year in medicare premiums and yet they cover less and pay less to health care providers.    Now they say Medicare will be out of money sooner than expected.  But it is congress' fault with raiding the SS fund.  Why aren't congress members o n our plan?  It is so unfair.

George Swedholm - Mineral Point, MO

Lorraine Badiali - Huntley, IL

This is a discrace!!!

Jennifer Russell - Kennewick, WA

shirley abrams christian - henrico, VA

I am glad that someone beside myself has been complaining about this. I have been asking questions about the Medicare Part D and had to choose one that I could not afford but the other companies I really could not afford. Now, I have to pay a copayment before I go to the doctors. Even though it is only $10.00 for each visitor, there are a lot of times I do not have the money. Honestly, most of the time I do not have the money. There is so much you can do after paying rent, utilities bill, medication that has a copay to them and trying to feed your family. Thank for issuing the Top 10 List.

Betty Ledford - Shelby, NC

ABSOLUTELY CORRECT!!

John Spadafora - Winthrop, MA

Medicare benefits should be taxed. The US Government spends $6 on seniors for every $1 spent on children. This is grossly unbalanced. Everyone should pay a percentage of every procedure. Benefits have to be scaled back or taxed inorder to not have Medicare bancrupt. It is already spending more than it takes. in(todays Boston Globe-5-13-09)

Dexter Ford - Annapolis, MD

We work all of our lives to get in line for the royal shaft. Why can't the american public get as good of benefits as our congressmen do. Maybe if everyone had the same benefits things would be different. I wonder?

heranetaspielman - delray beach, FL

Susan M. Powell - Oak Forest, IL

Linda Onorato - Amityville, NY

Medicare doesn't provide enough money in monthly bnfts, & they charge you for medical coverage (doctor's, etc.) out of your Social Security.  You can't afford to pay for doctor's fees or meds out of $761.00 mothly benefits.  Obama should make sure everyone has some kind of universal medical coverage. Even Medicaid denied me Dr. coverage....geez....it's ridiculous....the drug addicts get all benefits including food stamps.  What the hell is going on in this economy?  I have alot of serious medical problems and must pay almost $100.00 out of my social security check for dr. benefits.  I can't even pay my rent with what I am receiving.....

KATHRYN GRESSER - LONG PRAIRIE, MN

Frances Fisher - Beverly Hills, CA

james smith - chariton, IA

medicare is only good if you are wealthy

Dianne Baack - Le Mars, IA

violet seay - st.augustine, FL

This happen to me last year..i was unable to get Blood pressure medicine,my wellibutinxl which i have been on for several years due to my intolence of many medications i am unable to take several generic drugs.No one cared nor do they  do care now...I feel it is a shame ..I pray that this will be fixed soon..

Ivey D. Horton - Springfield, GA

rex woodley - mineral springs, AR

my wife and i are both disabled and on medicare i am diabetic and she is not so i can recieve the drug lyrica through the insurence co. but she cannot because she is not diabetic but we both have the same problem with our legs . my is due to neuropathe , hers is due to nerve damage due to back injuries and back surgerys

Barbara Wholey - Kansas City, MO

I have personal experience with these Medicare problems.  I am a Service Coordinator in a senior and disabled low income apartment building, I have a husband on Medicare who went through 3 years of treatment of cancer which is in remission and I have a 51 year old sister who has been seriously disabled since 22 with multiple medical issues.  These are real problems with Medicare and need to be addressed.  I worked for a company that started a pharmacy for long term care facilities and they are making huge profits since they did this, far far more than they made owning a long term care facility.  I want my voice heard about Medicare Reform and the Top Ten List at www.toptenthingswrongwithmedicare.org is a great start!!  Please read this list and know that we will be voting for officials who want to make Medicare BETTER for the PEOPLE, not the drug and insurance companies!

Patsy Livers - Olive Branch, MS

I am to go on Medicare this year.  My drug bill with insurance is $300 per month.  I am very concernedBOUT HOW i AM TO PAYWHEN ALL i HAVE IS Mediare.

Sharon M. Rigg - Summerville, SC

CHARLES FEDAK - ROCHESTER HILLS, MI

WE NEED A GROUP OF HEALTH PROFESSIONALS TO LOOK AT WAYS TO REDUCE COSTS BUT NOT THE AVAILABILITY AND QUALITY OF SERVICE

Carolyn Young - Moody, TX

Millie Queen - Baltimore, MD

Louis Hantzopoulos - Clifton, VA

Please fix Medicare.

PATSY ADAIR - LAKE CHARLES, LA

WE  NEED THIS  TOP TEN  IT IS NOT RIGHT THAT I WORKED FOR 50 YEARS, NEVER HAD WELLFARE OR FOOD STAMPS. HAD A DEAD BEAT DAD, THAT NEVER HELP ME AT ALL IN THE YEARS HE SHOULD HAVE. NOW  I FIND OUT TIME HAS RUN OUT FOR ME TO GET WANT WHAT HE OWES ME .  MEDICARE  IS NOT BACKING US UP   FOR ALL WE HAVE DONE FOR THIS COUNTRY WE LOVE SO DEARLY AND BELIEVE IN THE FAREINESS WE EXPECT OF IT. WE LET OUR YOUNG MEN GO FIGHT FOR ALL THE FREEDOM WE WANT.  I DO KNOW IT WAS ONCE DIFFERENT,  WHO LET  IT GET OUT OF HAND?   WE  DID  BY NOT PAYING  ATCTION  TO WHAT WAS GOING ON IN  WASHINGTON OR OUR  STATES.  IT IS TIME TO GET BUSY FINDING OUT WHAT THE HECK IS HAPPENING  THAT MEANS EVERY ONE. SO MANY SIT BACK OR DON'T CARE UNTIL IT'S THIER TURN, TO BE WHERE THE SENIORS OF TODAY ARE.

Duane Hirsch - Richardson, TX

There should be a universal health care for everyone and the copay should be the same. This would eliminate all the extra paperwork and be fair.

karen galligan - greenville, IN

Karen Maas - Oskaloosa, IA

All ten things on the list are oh so true.  I do not take medicine that works for me because it would get to the donut hole quickly. I need two medicines that are not on the formulary so I use a substite that does not work as well.  Between Medicare , supplement, and drug insurance I pay almost as much as I did and it is not near as good.  As a former public employee I thing I should get the same coverage for the same cost as our senators do.  THEY MAKE THE RULES.

Lenora B.Huffman - Springfield, MO

All we are doing is paying a un nessary payment to an insuranceCo. with no benifit to us plus we have to pay for the drugs also, this is a rip off. why do we need to pay a premium to an insurance co. just so we can say we belong to the Medicare D program. the isurance co. can just atop carriing co.pay on any type of drug they want to.most people never reach the deductabe so they get no help on their drugs.

Sherwin Wasserman - Clearwater, FL

Charging 1% a month for not having a plan is stealing! Every year the the plans go UP.Seniors hear free and have no idea what they are doing.Why don't you stop making insurance people look like SATAN

LYNNE WYNNE - GUNTERSVILLE, AL

I LIVE WITH MS. WITH OUT MY MEDICARE OR RX ASSTANCE I WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO KEP MY MS FROM PROGRESING

Aimee Gober - Ashburn, VA

Kenneth Rubenstein - Boca Raton, FL

I agree with the list of problems as cited on the list.  I incur several of them personally.

Susan E Lukenbill - Union, WA

I guess I am lucky because I don't take many drugs but my husband does. I put out $40 something a month for 2 generics because I may need other drugs later in life. Our medicare and suppliment including the drug plan cost us over $600.00 a month.

Houston Rains - KAHOKA, MO

gloria smith - akron, OH

I've reached the gap and it is only May.  Now it's $700 per month out of pocket.

Shana Jacobs - Raleigh, NC

I think the "Top Ten" are extremely accurate, as I have first-hand experience with some of the problems listed.  I'm already disabled & sick, & then for the drug insurance companies to have the audacity to put me through the ringer just trying to get the prescribed medication I need to get by?  This only creates more stress, causing me to feel worse.  It's taking advantage of the disabled, handicapped person on Medicare.  Is there no conscience in America any longer within our fellow human beings?  In an instant, I would love to trade places with a healthy, employed person who has much better drug coverage.  What's going to be done to alleviate the added suffering insurance companies are creating for the disabled? Thank you, Shana Jacobs

Richard E. Barrett - Plano, TX

Peggy B. Howard - Knoxville, TN

Medicare desperately needs to be fixed. I have been for the past three months trying to fix a problem between Social Security and Medicare . I am listed with SS as having Medicare Part A and B, but with Medicare they are saying I only have Part A. It has involved numerous phone calls plus visits to the SS office. Meanwhile, The problem is still there and Medicare is denying all of my claims. What a bureacratic mess. I have been supposedly helped my some very nice,caring people but mostly have talked to very rude people on the telephone and in person!!!

saied moayedi - HOUSTON, TX

PLEAS HELP US WITH MODIFICATION AND OVER HAULING OF MEDICARE GOD BLESS THE US OF A

michael marciniak - toledo, OH

margaret black - edgewood, MD

fix medicare on drug plan D.  did you read the top 10 things wrong with medicare

annette turello - crestwood, KY

Robert M Parker - Cambridge, MD

The Donut hole is the worst thing that could be done to people on a fixed income.  Definitely causes financial hardship each year.

johncarney - lawndale, NC

I am in the middle of a real problem with part d. I have participated in the prescription drug plan since it started and have had my premium deducted from my monthly deposit in my bank account.  As you know there is no way of telling from the deposit whether the premium has been deducted or not.  I was with Humana for the first 2 years but decided to switch to AdvantraRX because of a drug (Actos) that my doctor prescribed because I am a diabetic type II. I applied online and was accepted.  I made applications for my wife and myself.  my wife choose another company because she is a cancer surviver.  I received medications for Jan, Feb, Mar and part of April.  On march 24, 2009 a letter was sent telling me that I should use the payment notices sent in march.  when I applied I requested that my premiums would be deducted from my monthly ss payment and I assumed they were being paid that way.  On May 1, 2009 I recieved 2 letters from AdrvantaRX.  One letter showed the medications supplied in March,  the other said I had been canceled coverage as of May 1 and owed $23.40 for march and $23.40 for April.  My wife and I applied for extra help in March and was accepted in April.  My application was denied due to income I had in 2005.  I have not worked since October 2007.  I have been fighting AdvantraRX since receiving the cancellation notice and waiting for an answer from ss to an application for extra help sent early May.  I am sure I will be eligable for extra help but it is possible I will not be able to be able to get a supplier  of coverage until November 2009. I is about time someone strats to stand up for possibly the largest single voting block in the country,   THE SENIOR CITIZENS.  I would love to tell my story the the president, congress and the CEO of Coventry Health Care the parent compant that includes AdvantaRX.  I should mention that when I talked to a superviser at advantraRX asking why I was not advised  that premiums were due for Jan and Feb, she said "things were so mixed up  at the beging og the year, they did not send any notices out".  How about that.

wayne Kimmel - Ft Myers, FL

Lyn Kimmel - Timonium, MD

Rick Hess - Tioga, PA

One of the biggest things that I think should be changed is to drop the "donut hole" & even out the costs of medications throughout the year.

Sarah oliver - Bessemer, AL

I agree with every item on the petition! I have to take less of the prescribed meds so that I can stay out of the " hole".  There is no excuse for drugs being so much more expensive in US than all other countries for the same drug!

Thomas C Walthour - Downers Grove, IL

Shirley Walden - Whigham, GA

Nick Molson - Detroit, MI

Susan Browning - Rentz, GA

I work with insurance everyday in a Medical practice and it is very complicated and almost impossible to understand. Medicare should not be so complicated that the people that have worked hard most of their lives should have to worry about trying to understand.  It should be cut and dry and simple for these patients to be able to obtain Medical care without all the red tape.

Jack Farrier - Carrollton, TX

Robert C Wegmann - San Antonio, TX

marian rubin - boca raton, FL

all persons should be able to take generic drugs at reduced prices so we can all afford to have proper meds or reg drugs at reduced prices

Dorothy Simmons - Covington, VA

Rodney N. Hall - Talladega, AL

Sandra Dixon - Fort Worth, TX

kindell badgley - austin, TX

Robert reinecke - cupertino, CA

Cannot return perfectly good uneeded drugs.

Linda Everline - Womelsdorf, PA

Please make Medicare more efficient! Thank you

RAY COHEN - FORT MILL, SC

Melvin J Basgall - LaCrosse, KS

paul brigadier - north royalton, OH

changes need to be made right away

Sandra Bobbitt - Warner Robins, GA

Medicare needs to be improved. Too many senior citizens are suffering and dying because of the financial burden of Doctors and their medicine.

Nila R. McGregor - New Richmond, WI

James L McGregor - New Richmond, WI

You should try living on Medicare!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sue Finch - Statesboro, GA

PLEASE do SOMETHING to fix Medicare!  If you don't we will have people dying left and right b/c they can't afford to go to the doctor or get their prescriptions.  I THINK it needs to start with the DOCTORS, HOSPITALS, ALL HEALTH FACILITIES, and DRUG COMPANIES!!!!!  SOMETHING IS NOT RIGHT WHEN YOU CAN GO TO CANADA AND GET TREATMENT AND PRESCRIPTIONS LOTS CHEAPER THAN THE US!!!   THERE IS A MIDDLE MAN THAT IS GETTING FILTHY RICH AT THE EXPENSE OF ALL THE POPULATION INCLUDING SENOIRS  AND THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD MAKE IT STOP!!!  INSTEAD OF TAXING CIGARETTES OVER AND OVER, THEY NEED TO START ON PRESCRIPTION COMPANIES LOWERING THEIR PRICES AND ALSO TAX ALCOHOL!!   ALCOHOL KILLS ALOT MORE THAN SMOKING!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lupe Macker - Long Beach, CA

I support the top ten things wrong with Medicare and want my voice to be heard while a new health coverage is developed.

samuel garcia irizarry - mascotte, FL

yes medicare should do more to keep keep prices low, is about time to do something about this problem we have.

mary beth hazelgrove - Centreville, VA

Clyde Porter - Prestonsburg, KY

It is hard for me to pay for my medicine and eat too on 1.138 dollars a month

Mary L Drinkard - Nampa, ID

It is obvious to anyone who takes the time to investigate the catastrophe "Big Business" has created out of the Medicare mess that reform is desparately needed.  Thank you for circulating this info and petition.

D.Dillinger - Huntersville, NC

We need to get the Lobbiest influence out of Washington! They are running our country, not those we elected to office! Our politicans are merely pawns to lobbiest . Don"t they have brains of their own??,

Charlene Taylor - Mt. Pleasant, TN

Kim Baker - San Jose, CA

FIX MEDICARE!!!

Johnny F Sammons - Trenton, TN

I have Paid into my social sercurity program since the year 1962. I am now 65 years old and drawing disibility social security,also I have paid into the medical part os the social security act ever since it started. So I have Paid in advance for my monthly check and also my medacare of which I am charged agan for!!!  I paid my way I have not ask for any outside help manily because the ones to which might be entitled to help are keep away from us knowing who they are by not telling us   Where, orHow????  !!!!!   not any political office will TELL.  Yes I can not afford to keep all my medicines filled as often as needed!! What is so strange is I do have a coverage of full insurance that does more than medicare!! WHY??? Be cause My Wife is still employed and she covers me through there insurance plan and Medacare is of secondery coverage (but no discount in premum). This is about over for my wife may not have a job munch longer,they are laying off quickly now and things are not looking good at all!! They produce pars for the automotive industry,or if by so chance her job stand through this she is very close to retiring also.. We all know about the auto situation!!   All goverment oficals once in office does not have our problem--WE the tax Payer payes ALL their medical bills and medacation--YES 100% of it So why do they care about US?????  Think about it   Yes I am A American Born Citizen and a Postive Voter and reposeant  some other voters also!!!  Thank you for reading    Johnny F Sammons

JULI A SCOTT - GADSDEN, AK

THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU ARE DOING TO HELP THE SENIORS, SOME HAVE TO MAKE A CHOICE BETWEEN EATING OR TAKING MEDICINE.

al cox - leitchfield, KY

samuel hatfield jr - chillicothe, OH

misleading info when you first go in to sign up    i was told i HADto signup for part b now or face penalty every year after   i m already paying for blue cross through work  my cost DOUBLED FOR SAME COVERAGE   95.00  PLUS THE 95.00 IM ALREADY PAYING FOR BLUE CROSS

Tom Burke - Long Beach, CA

Carl Henry Shattuck - Chattanooga, TN

My copay went from $38.00 to $173.00 for a one month supply on one of my cancer medications  Please we need help.

Priscilla Jordan - Woolwich Township, NJ

I had a horrible time changing my plan within the same Part D company and within the change time window.

Charlotte Stockton - McKinney, TX

Constant change, always removing benefits, never adding benefits!!

clara hill - Lawrenceville, GA

i would like to see something done to fix the donut hole, there has to be a better system ....

Audrey L Schneider - cleveland, OH

The donut holeis my biggest concern.  Some of my meds are generics, but still priced in Tier 2, at $99 for a three months' supply, while their cost propels me toward the d.h. way too easrly in the plan year.  Pleas work to reduce drug costs, and/or increase the covered, pre-d.h. ceiling.  Thank you!  ALS

Ann High - Mesquite, TX

Medicare has got to be fixed.  People using it now worked many years and many hours to be able to use it after we retired.  It is not fair for it to be running out of money just when I need it and many friends need it.  Ann High

Nancy Sherbeck - Oscoda, MI

Robert B Spade - Anderson, IN

Lois Flatt - Spring Hill, FL

stephen little - new york, NY

Listen to industry and we will get more of the same.  We don't want to be thrown another bone.

Tom - Archdale, NC

drake - edmond, OK

As we get older we don't need things to become more confusing.  It needs to be more simple and straight forward, and easier to get help making the right decisions.  Donut hole, should be something good, not a farce that insults ones intelligence.

J. Williamson - Orlando, FL

Norman & Virginia DeGrishe - Sun City Center, FL

marvin webb - potosi, MO

part D providers want us to pay more than the prescriptions cost without part D

Nessa Langer - Brooklyn, NY

Phillip Ramsey - Midland City, AL

This plan has no concern for the person.

Johnny F SMMONS - RENTON, AL

Jacqueline Maschke - Reston, VA

I have been waiting for Medicare to reimburse me for chiropractic care, for over 8 months !  This is ridculous !  My husband & I have medical bills & his employer does not have enough money to pay him, so we NEED the $1700 !  W both take MANY medications, all neccessary to our health.  IF I find a pharmacy to issue reduced medications, Medicare counts these drugs at their FULL manufacturer suggested retail price.  Which means of course, I never get ahead !

john jones - columbus, GA

I thank the medicare system are for the insurance company and drug company. something really need to be done about this soon before we as the peoples won't be able to afford to have insurance and drug coverage.

Priscilla Levesque - Crystal River, FL

All this is true, medicare needs to be revamped....

Cynthia Neal - Romeoville, IL

I thought Medicare Part D would be a good program to save money for seniors.  However, the fact that you have to sign up when you become eligible even if you are not currently on any medications tells me that healthy seniors are subsidizing the less healthy and once again the government/drug companies are reaping the beneifits.  There should be no penalities if you do not sign up when eligible.  Also insurance companies should not be able to drop drugs except during the enrollment period.

Arlene M Moretz - Miami, FL

The Medicare Rx is the most convoluted ridiculous confusing plan. And why is there a penalty for NOT signing up if you decide to go with them later. You should be able to sign up anytime!

Carolyn Bouska - Balch Springs, TX

My Medication has become the biggest of our expenses. It becomes almost impossible to find money for other expenses after paying for my medicaiton and medical bills. Please help all the Senior Americans to be able to have a better life. Thank  you so much, Carolyn Bouska

Syglenda ord - Brentwood, CA

Mary Steiner - Peoria, IL

Sharon Kennedy - Cushing, OK

Something needs to be done about every aspect of the 10 top things wrong with medicare.

John M. Moore - Pleasant Hill, CA

Lois Remick - Palm Beach Gardens, FL

Please fix medicare!

Raymond L. Kirk - Glendale Heights, IL

SONNY L GIBBS - SAN LORENZO, CA

change Medicare to get cheaper drugs

PATRICIA BAILEY - ST. PAUL, MN

These are all true facts, and the sad part is that there are some us that have life threatening medications that we must take and there is no regard to you when you fall into the donut-hole to help you get the medication.  One medication I _MUST HAVE or I am in jeopardy cost $935.00 @ 100% My stars who has that kind of money on Medicare??? So I suffer unless I can borrow the money or spend my time going through ER to try and get the care, it'sd ridiculus!!!!!!! Thank you for doing this, we need to be heard.

J. Kevin Mahoney - New City, NY

To whom it may concern:  05/13/2009 Please require complete simple language disclosure from all insurance companies involved with part D medicare coverage be communicated to all insured parties in a timely manner so that an informed decision can be made for the best coverage available for the contracting individuals specific health circumstances.           Thank you.

Roger Wray - Goose Creek, SC

marcia ralston - mechanicsville, IA

this has been a long time coming-we paid our dues-now that we are retired make things better for us esp. our medical-we all know doctors. perscriptions, hospital etc.are out of reach of a lot of people. don't let congress influence govt decisions-they have enough money to do what they need and want done-we the people on the outside looking in are the ones who need help.let us have a voice!!!!

Phyllis M. Taylor - Johnson City, TN

I agree.  Add my name to the petition.

Sarah & John Albert - Saint Helena Island, SC

This list covers most of the problems we've had with the Medicare system and the Part D morass.

Charles E. Eagan - Auburn, WA

I know we can do a much better job of insuring seniors, we just need to convince our legislators that GREY POWER will make major changes in their ranks if they don't vote for the people for a change.

sharon lambert - encinoi, CA

Lauana Odom - Amber, OK

Lose the donut hole!!!!!

kaaren lee - yonkers, NY

Luis Cavallone - Long Valley, NJ

Medicare part D is a poor taste joke. The "hole" does not have to exist. It is a terrible thing for many millions of patients.

Lisa Owen - Statesville, NC

Medicare is to restrictive. You have to get too any meds preauthorized.

Robert Hildreth - Buhl, ID

Kathryn DiMauro - Winter Park, FL

I agree whole heartedly, we need change

Susan - Sharpsburg, GA

sharon bovaird - shelburne, VT

I absolutely agree with everythinbg in this petition. My part d provider raised the premium 35% over the 2008 premium. i have a master's in health care administration from NYU and can't figure out this system. Time for clear language and for subscribers to change plans with the same impunity ins co's change formulaties, etc.

Donald G Pedrotti - Cupertino, CA

This is a good summary of what is wrong.  Also if we believe in free trade why not let Canada England and others compete.

Arlys Schwabauer - Newton, KS

Deborah Hoertel Masgrau - Centreville, VA

We need improved prescription coverage immediately.   I have a friend who is on disability which provides him $1500.00 a month and his medication expenses are +$6,000 out of pocket a year because one of the medications is so expensive.    He will be destitute before long.   This is urgent.

Joan Bradley - bolingbrook, IL

Please help FIX MEDICARE>>>

Stephanie Kittredge - San Diego, CA

Ruth Langfield - Hobart, IN

Jeff Gray - Hendersonville, TN

Jane Gray - Hendersonville, TN

maria leighhtley - CLIFTON, VA

MY FATHER IS ON DISABILTY MAKE LESS THAN $1600 A MONTH. HIS RENT IS $950... LET'S NOT FORGET UTILITES, GAS, CAR REPAIRS, FOOD ETC....  WHEN HE REACHES THE "DONUT HOLE" IN THE MONTH OF MAY AND IS EXPECTED TO PAY OUT $1100 FOR PERSCRIPTIONS A MONTH... WE HAVE A SERIOUS PROBLEM. HE WILL DIE WITHOUT THE MEDICATION HE TAKES SO IT'S NOT AN OPTION. WHAT DO WE DO...   WE NEED YOUR HELP DESPERATELY!!!!!!!

Stan McGrath - Sacramento, CA

I support the suggested changes to Medicare.

Joyce O'Connell - Fort Dodge, IA

jerry guinn - henderson, TN

we've got to do something" vote all the old scoundrels out of washington and get the younger generation working on thease problems.if not we"er doomed.

Gerald Stohlman - Gridley, CA

Sandra Huber - Gonzales, TX

Please fix our Medicare system.  My husband and I are some of the many who have to make the choice of food or medicine.  It is so degrading to live like this in America.

PHYLLIS COLEMAN - GREENSBORO, NC

Barbara Dougherty - Rome, FL

James F. Massey - Richardson, TX

A bill is needed to return the intended benefits of the Medicare Drug Plans back to the Medicare recipients instead of to the Drug Manufacturers and Insurance Companies as is now being done.

Bryan Price - Kissimmee, FL

We need help for better medicare drug coverage and consistency

kelly fugate - grayson, KY

i agree completely with what i have read and just last month overheard several seniors already reaching the limits.  personally i would have to choose after all the co pays...then the drugs too.  i think its a part of the population control of the sick and poor.

Elaine Boyle - Dothan, AL

MARY SPRICK - LAKE CITY, MN

STOP  ripping people - elderly off !

David Davis - new york, NY

vote the politicans out of office who receive campaign contributions from the insurance and drug companies

Carolyn Hejhal - Naperville, IL

Just Get This Mess Fixed!

Eugene Voth, RN - Newton, KS

I completely agree with the restrictive nature of Plan D as it is structured at this time.  It is slanted to the insurance industry with little means of giving feedback on insurance co. preformance.

Ingrid Mirander - Corona, CA

Jacquelin Lazarus - Salem, OR

Many of the drugs I take are not covered becaue they are only available in Brand and have no generic. As such, one medication can cost a couple hundred dollars a month. I cannot afford this so I will have to go without the drugs that I need to keep breathing. After 44 years of being a working contributor to America, this is a sin. Please please please let us have affordable medications, regardless of our diagnosis.

G. Preuss - Bridgeport, CT

Kathryne J Spaht - Minneapolis, MN

If all legislators and other politicians were subject to being on Medicare you can bet the system would be changed.    Why is the taxpayer subject to Medicare and not congress persons?  If it's not good enough for you why is it good enough for me?  I am the one who pays your salary so you should make choices to protect me.

CHARLES L SKEENS - PRINCETON, WV

PLEASE FIX THE PLAN

Peggy McMahon - N.Richland Hills, TX

I have been trying for a month to get a new prescription filled for high blood pressure.  My previous medication was deleted from the formulary of Blue Cross/Blue Shield, but was given a choice of another medication which my doctor approved and wrote the prescription.  Now they insist the doctor choose another medication and write a report to them of "why he thinks I need this one."  It is not ethical for insurance employees/medicare to play God.  It should be left up to the doctors who have the medical degrees!

Richard Barbour - Shelby Twp, MI

This is all way overdue. I'm happy to hear someone is taking the iniative to fix it.

Doloris Kuhlenberg - Edwardsville, IL

We, the elderly and disabled people of the United States of America have worked and paid dearly all of our life and now that we need help we are told, this is what we have so go look it up and choose. The problem is we can not understand what these programs really offer cause it is to hard to understand and no one will take the time to explain the options to us! I believe this is due to they do not know themselves......It should not be this difficult to sign up for medical coverage.

Roy Tackett - Grandview, TX

Please help older americans be able to afford health and drug insurance though medicare as quickly as possible by overhauling the medicare system..  Thank you for your time. Roy Tackett

Sharon Carr - Tifton, GA

please help us

Marta E. Cortes-Perez Pagan - Highland, IN

It is about time that someone start providing advice to Seniors and the Disabled about the Medicare Part D"mess". I hope that our Senators and Representatives do their job and fix this "mess". The people that came up with our current Part D system did not know what they were doing, I bet there were not Seniors or Disabled among them. This has to change.

Joan E Fosaaen - Georgetown, FL

I'm in the donut hole every year, and my prescriptions are way too high.  It's getting to the point where I have to cut some of them in half, and eliminate others.  Help!

Richard Clements - Anthony, KS

Right on!

Shirley Happ - Frederick, MD

Please take the appropriate action for the people who elect you, not the Drug  Companies. All we're asking for is fairness.

Ronnie Lawson - Tifton, GA

Please help our senior citizens.

kathleen Engwer - Angier, NC

Ruth Price - Garland, TX

Tmiothy Reed - N LasVegas, NV

Yes The Drueg IS TO Hight

Johnny White - Memphis, TN

Too confusing for older people to understand rules.

Harriet Casey - Marysville, WA

Seniors and other low income people and children need the laws changed and the prices of medicine reduced or paid by Medicare and part D and stop the "hole" when you pay full price.  Seniors just have to go without their drugs, become sick or die because of these current laws!!!  PLEASE CHANGE THIS QUICKLY AND SAVE LIVES!!!

J M Hennessy - Elk Grove, IL

Medicare Part D is not designed for the benefit of those who use it.  It needs to be reasonable and understandable.  Let really try to correct the flaws that confuse so many people and cost us so much more money than it should.

Mauricia Molnar - Lemont, IL

The drug plan is ridiculous but so is the fact that people not covered are paying ridiculously high prices compared to the prices the drug plans have been able to negotiate.  Most of the savings I get each month is that, not something being paid for by the drug companies.  Also, I am disabled, was turned down for the first two registration times staing I was not old enough to qualify and now after paying full boat for those medications, I am fighting with Medicare and my drug provider who want to charge me a penalty for not being allowed to join for those two years.  It is beyond absurd.

Ervin Sharp - Colorado Springs, CO

I am eligiable for Medicare in Sept. I have researched Medicare and I feel that it does not fulfill my needs.  VA benifets are not much better.

barbara d. davis - picayune, MS

please leave medicare alone.

ROBERT LEDOUX - SANDOWN, NH

The existing system is a disgrace to this country.

Marilynne Williams - Hempstead, TX

Please help us that are on medicare.  We need assistance with our medications and the drug companies.  After all the years of working hard and paying into social security we deserve some help due to the increased cost of living.

marcia loomis - st.louis, MO

WE need help in paying for high prescription drugs. On a fixed income its very difficult to pay for the High meds. that Drs. do prescriipe to keep you alive. We don't get to vote for an increase in saylary to help us out. Please. Marcia Loomis

RUTH PECKMAN - LAGO VISTA, TX

It is really disgusting the way Seniors are being taken advantage of when it comes to Prescription drugs.  I have personally been the "Donut Hole" last year and its really hard to meet the prices the Drug companies are charging.  There has got to be a better way.....

Devon Wells - Denver, CO

Please make Medicare a top priority.

HAROLD F ZIELKE - FRASER, CO

Joan McMillan - Edina, MN

Medicare Part D is a huge hoax--please get the corporations out of my health care.  I do not take any prescription medications, to my Dr.'s distress, because I cannot afford these medications.  I pay more each year for part D and scrounge for the cheapest plan.  Also when the pharmacutical companies advertise their wares just like soap suds--it leaves me to consider these products as soap suds.  Medications are sometimes necessities and shouldn't need me to encourage my physician to give me "someof that".  Without these ads--we might not start imagining we have diseases that have never been heard of before.  Medication education should be between the physicians and the manufacturer--not the afternoon television audience.

MARYELLEN R ZIELKE - FRASER, CO

Kathileen L. Hall - Lincoln, CA

I am retired woman who has worked all my life and medicare has been good to me except in the perscription department.  I almost have to choose to eat or buy my medicine.  That is not right and very unfair.  Why doewn't the United States take better care of their senior citizens.  Sometimes when I pick up my perscriptions I could cry.

Tammy Schuler - Asheville, NC

needs to change

mary stewart - plattsburgh, NY

my part D provider added 25% to the origanal drug cost for each script. It was published in small print on the bottom of the iside cover.

JENELLE MOORE - SWEETWATER, TX

CLINTON MOORE - SWEETWATER, TX

craig bailey - centennial, CO

I totally agree.

JERRY MORTON - MANSFIELD, TX

kenneth sacks - mesa, AZ

It's benn a rip off since day one

Patricia Williams - Sheboygan, WI

We spent lots of time on the Medicare web site comparing part D plans.  We chose the best plan according to the website.  We figured Walmart was a safe bet for a pharmacy.  After going through all the hoops and delays in signing up, we went to get our first drugs.  Guess what, the numbers didn't come out the same.  The drug prices going toward our donut hole were much larger than in the formulary.  We'll get into the donut hole much sooner than we had anticipated.  The insurance company then said we should have gone to their site to check, because the Medicare site numbers were not reliable.  So now, how do we compare plans?

CINDY MORTON - MANSFIELD, TX

PLZ FIX MEDICARE ITS SHAMEFUL WHAT WE  HAVE TO PAY.

marcia j. keithley - fort worth, TX

My insulin costs me 350.00 a month and it put me in the donut hole in August and I can't afford this. Without the drug plan that is what it costs.  With the plan it  is  a month for 3 mo supply 77.00 a month til I hit the donut hole too early.  My nasal spray for COPD costs 59.00 a month on the plan, without it it is 100.00 a week. My other COPD MED is way over 100.00 a week and I can't afford it.  In addition I have heart medication, and various other perscription drugs.  It's the drug companies  who need to be reformed and put on a leash.  I can't live without the Insulin.  I even called the drug co. and asked for help and they said no. The drug companies are getting fat off of elderly people's backs, yet they give samples to drs and then the dr decides who gets the samples.  It's not fair.  I felt terrible having to beg to get samples and then if the doctor's assistant didn't like you, you didn't get the samples. They would say they were out of them. I'm talking about my Insulin.   Medications should be alot less for the elderly.  I miss getting help by about 150.00 a mo.  Now whether I live or die depends on if I can afford the medicines. Biggest rip off there is.

JERI MITCHELL - BLUEBELL, UT

wE NEED THIS RE VAMPED

Doris Moore - Houston, TX

Lorraine West - Dunstable, MA

We need help with high cost of medical.  Maybe we should be illegal and get better coverage or even free medical. What are people in the senate thinking.

Carolyn McRreynolds - Milton, GA

When people can buy the same brand name high quality drugs out of the country for less then our co payment here and not have to pay the monthly priemims on top of that to get this price, SOMETHING IS WRONG!! I am almost 70 and I am forced to buy a drug plan and pay priemums for a year but I am only covered 6mo before I get into the doenut hole. SOMETHING IS WRONG!! DRUG MEDICARE IS A RIP OFF !!!

Shirley A Swanson-Moore - Ivins, UT

Geraldine McCray - Houston, TX

sally w davis - charleston, SC

I agree

Charlene B. Ponsonby - Birmingham, AL

It is way past time someone does something about this. My problem is there is no generic for one of my meds so I had to quit taking it not to fall in the donut hole. Do you know that most people in the senior age bracket are unable to understand Medicare or Part D. I know the younger workers are fed up with paying because they have been told they will never see a penny of it back. I and my husband have paid into it all our working lives and we are not getting what we were told to expect. I am 75 and remember when my Mom and Dad went on Medicare. They were so disappointed. My father was a worker at an iron company and they had signed a contract with their workers to pay their health insurance as long as they lived. THEY HAD TO GIVE THAT UP FOR MEDICARE. Now the government is working to take even what we do have away from us. SAD!!  You can judge a people by the way they treat their seniors. The ones who worked and paid for them to get them where they are. Shame on these people for such selfishness.

Karen Klusendorf - Glenview, IL

I want medicare fixed without any delay.   The donut hole needs to be filled now!!!  I live on a fixed income and can't afford the drugs I'm taking without your help.  Please make sure (even though this is a government run program) there is enough money to fix this error and stop spending the money on other non-essentials!  I don't know how you think the government can run ANY health care system if you can't get this straight!!!!

Pamela Mruk - Bolingbrook, IL

Insurance companies and Medicare can not be allowed to function as my doctor where my drugs are concerned.  My doctors take care of my health needs. Unqualified people or doctors that work for these insurance companies and Medicare do not know my medical history. They have no right and should not be allowed to make decisions regarding my health care.  These ten items that are mentioned in the "Top Ten Things Wrong with Medicare" need to be corrected immediately.

Ellizabeth Arney - Queensbury, NY

Medicare Part D is too confusing.  I advocate for a single payor system that would provide the same formulary for everyone with generic drugs covered 100%.

Joe COOK - Mt. Pleasant, TX

There's so many things that favor the insurance companies and so many loop holes and changes they can make after your hooked for a year that benefits them. There is not enough room on this to list them. Where are the people in goverent that are supposed to keep this a level playing field?

Marion B. Clark - Macon, GA

Grover Mariner - Coconut Creek, FL

The present part D drug program was written by the drug companies. Let an independent group drawn by lottery write a new program. No one who works for a drug company, or insurance company can join the lottery. We pay for the program, so let us in on the rules.

Marion F. Clark - Macon, GA

Francis Orlawski - Meriden, CT

Do something about senior's getting coverage as good as you provide for yourselves. Also do something about eliminating  the Notch.

evelyn l reece - christiansburg, AL

please do somethin to help the tax payer

Alyce Baker - Brooklyn, NY

I want my voice heard about Medicare Reform ans the Top Ten List.

Stephen Oviatt - Sun Valley, NV

Rebecca Hawes - Shallotte, NC

More and more is being taken away for Social Security and Medicare receipents.  We worked for many years to receive these benefits and money.  There is a lot wrong with Medicare, however; the government has caused a lot of the problem by the way they have handled or mishandled these programs.  I saw a young man on TV recently saying that the ones getting Social Security is ripping the younger generation off.  After he has worked for 37 1/2 years then he is intitled to an opinion not before.

Donna M. Stallings - Titusville, FL

I have just beeen diagnosd with end stage renal disease.  I have been trying to negotiate the wicked ways of Medicare Part D for the past few months and have been appalled at the lack of coverage in all plans (the donut hole) never mind the cost!!!

gentry e reece - christiansburg, VA

you must do something to help us this plan is not working for the the taxpayers.

Lyndell Browning - Jackson, TN

Seniors have EARNED these benefits. Gov"t NOT GIVING us this benefit.

ROY D ODONNELL - OSWEGO, IL

Betty Lewis - Talequah, OK

Why are the insurance companies given carte blanche to rob us??

Ginny Waterman - Salem, OR

I have had many problems with the drug plan, I cannot even get my insulin or some other drugs covered.  I even fell into the donut hole after only three months this year.

Darlene  V  Lafferty - Meridian, MS

Deanna Rabidoux - Lowell, MA

I am an outreach worker for the over 60 population and the top ten things wrong with  medicare are big on my list of things I deal with along with doctors not wanting to take medicare anymore because they either arn't getting paid in a timely maner or the goverment has cut down on how much they are going to pay them.  I hope something can be done about both of these problems.

Cheri Campbell - Omaha, NE

I just went through the process of trying to choose a medicare part D plan for my many necessary medicines for Crohn's disease, Fibromyalgia and Cholesterol problems.  It was very difficult and stressful (until I found MyPartD USA).  I take Humira which costs about $2000 a month and with the BEST plan I still have a 33% copay (thats $660/mo out of my $1300 disability check).  I am already at the "gap" or "donut hole" so now I have the added stress of paying for all of my medicines all by myself.  Something needs to change.  I really didn't know our system was so bad, and I don't know how seniors have been surviving with this system for so long.  I can't believe that this country can't do better for it's citizens and especially it's senior citizens.

Loretta Stephenson - Duluth, GA

HEAR MY VOICE PLEASE AND HELP US SENIOR CITIZENS.

edwin guadalupe - miami, FL

Please do not put more pressure onpeople on fixed incomes we have no recourse

Ronald Rooney - Granger, IA

Please change the way the drugs are handled in the Medicare advantage plans. and fix the system.

jean hupfel - arlington heights, IL

COME THE END OF AUGUST OF THIS YEAR, I WILL FALL INTO THE STINKING DONUT HOLE WHICH MEANS I WILL NO LONGER BE ABLE TO GET MY MUCH NEEDED MEDICINES (LIPITOR,ZETIA,HYZAAR,LANTUS INSULIN AND HUMULIN R INSULIN).  TRIED FOR GENERICS BUT SOME OF THEM (MOST OF THEM) DONT WORK.  MEDICARE D IS NO BIG DEAL...SURE IT HELPS FOR A WHILE BUT THEN COMES THE STINKING DONUT HOLE AND YOU ARE DEAD.  MEDICARE DEDUCTIBLES ARE OUTRAGOOOUUUSSS.  MEDICARE D ($2900)  MEDICARE B ($2950)...ALL THIS AFTER YOU STILL PAY THE 95.00 + PER MONTH PREMIUMS.  QUESTION...DO I STOP TAKING MY MEDS AFTER AUGUST???DO I CUT THEM IN HALF ALL YEAR LONG TO HAVE MORE (THIS DOESNT WORK) OR DO I JUST DIE DUE TO LACK OF PROPER MEDICATION.  SOME CHOICE.   IN MY OPINION...DONUT HOLES SHOULD ALL GO FAR FAR AWAY.

Richard Mangum - Mesquite, TX

Patricia L. Gannon - Forest City, NC

This is a disgrace and must be fixed!  It's unbelievable that our Government is pandering to these greedy pharmaceutical companies, helping them become richer at the expense of actual human suffering and human lives.

Joan Williams - Mesquite, TX

DAVID L. HARMON - CONWAY, AR

THESE DRUG COMPANYS ARE RIPPING THE ELDERLY AND ON MEDICARE OFF TO STICK MONEY IN THEIR HANDS.  TELL THE C.E.O. TO PUT THE MONEY THEY TOOK TO PUT BACK IN MEDICARE.

Audley Mackel - Chicago, IL

Without any doubt there is a serious , urgent need to FIX Medicre and the HEALTH DELIVERY syatem for all citizens of this great America.

Nancy Jackson - Lake Worth, FL

loretta  stoots - bristol, TN

i hope they will fix medicare it is getting to i cant afford my meds.

shirley riggins - kingwood, TX

mary ann miller - riverfalls, WI

agree something needs to be done.  If the free life time health insurance plan that is given to our legislators was the same as the medicare supplemental part D plans we have available there would some changes made real fast. I think they should get the same as us when they retire or pay for their own insurance out of their pocket.  The current health plan that is available to them should only be available during the time they are elected to congress -- not for life time when maybe they only spend one term in congress.

Robert Sweiss - Burbank, IL

Michael & Joyce Eibel - Florence, KY

Medicare neds fixing. Rx's prices and Medicare D almost usles.

J.Gloria Losito - Union, NJ

Natalie Gordon - Winthrop, MA

I hope something is done to make this program better.   I have been in the doughnut hole so many times and cannot afford to get the prescriptions that I need for my ailments.  It's a pathetic program.

Ava Bates - Lawrenceburg, TN

My Mother had a quad bi-pass on her heart and to top it off she had to have gastric surgery also. The medication that she needed to help her digest her food was very exspensive and at first Medicare covered it but then, unexpectedly they cut her off from it and no longer covered it. She will need this med for ever cause without it she cant eat. Which we all know that is life sustaining.  That perscription costs 167 a month and she is on SSI. She is also Diabectic and has to take the shots and I am sure that you all know how a diabetic must eat. 5 small meals a day. We call Medicare and explained, we pleaded and begged. They didnt care.

Barbara Bengel - Fond du Lac, WI

The drug costs are just ridiculous and I don't know how you expect people on Social Security to be able to afford those prices.

Jennifer D. Wilhelm - Van Buren, AR

This is completely outrageous and it needs to be fixed.  I am the payee for a cousin who cannot even apply for Medicare benefits for 2 years, which means she will have to pay over half of her income to these drug companies to start with, and they are needed medications.  I do not use or abuse any government system and pay my taxes like everyone else.  Isn't that what some of that money is "suppose" to go towards?  The fact that drug companies and government agencies can tell you that a drug that would give a person better quality of life is not on their list so that you would be either forced to use the drugs they want you to purchase, at the price they choose, out of your own pocket, and it cannot even be put towards your TROOP is communistic. Freedom of choice is being lost in this country everyday.  People are blindly walking around and do not know what their own rights are.  Drug companies are doing the same thing to every American as the oil industry has done for years, they are clearly robbing you and the government will turn a blind eye so long as they are able to tax it appropriately.  There should be a cap on what they are allowed to charge.  I am very concerned with the greed this world shows everyday, while people continuously fall through the cracks.  ~Seriously concerned!

Audrey Laack - Dayton, OH

I think it is a crime that the government has let the drug companies and insurance companies decide who should live and who should die.  Choosing a medicare supplement and drug plan has become extremely stressful.  You need a PHD to understand the options and even then you probably wouldn't.  I live in fear wondering if I made the right choice.  How do you know what medications you may need in the future?  This whole system needs to be revised and the drug companies and insurance companies need to be held accountable NOW!  Don't they realize that what they are doing will eventually affect their grandparents, parents and themselves and their children?  And all in the name of profit.  God help us all.

Jean Patz - AIken, SC

Please help those who are unable to help themselves due to current regulations.

Anita Trotter - Newton, IA

Karen Benson - Simpson, PA

Patricia Hopping - Columbus, OH

i AM ON MEDICARE and i cqnnot qualify for Part D because they say i make too much money with my job aqnd my ssd check.  My rent is $625...utilities...$150-200...my job pays $550 a month...$585 from SSD and I do not quailify forn food stamps.  So I have no extra monhey to lay out for my scrips... I cannot afford my asthma meds or my blood pressure. So I'm stuck like chuck....PLEASE HELP ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

LaVerlan DeSoto - Sibley, LA

I think Doctors should be in charge of our medicare NOT drug companies & politicians.

Richard Schneider - New York, NY

Larry Brooks - Gordon, GA

Regulate Drug Co"s and Insurance Co"s such that consumers receive the benefits they have prepaid for.

Craig Windel - Southfield, MI

thomas willis- trenton, OH

Michael P Cohn - Corona, CA

Both of my parents hit the dreaded donut hole each year and just about get to the end when the process starts all over again. This practice needs to change.

Elise - Donahue, CT

Monica Rehwaldt - LaGrange, IL

Naomi L. King - Blairsville, PA

Understanding and enrolling/changing plans has always been a "headache".  We need Medicare and prescription coverage simplified so that seniors understand the identity (insurance company) behind  each plan, such as Humana is owned by AARP.  (many people do not want to be a part of  AARP because of its left-wing positions and trying to influence people to vote for left-wing candidates).  We need more time to compare and make a decision for enrolling/changing plans.

Robert Morrison - Austin, TX

geraldean martin - manila, AR

we need better helthe care

nicholas dunkirk - Webster, NY

marilyn lyons - columbia, SC

Sarah Dunkirk - Webster, NY

Patricia Lovit - Columbia, SC

Need to get it fixed.  We, the consumers, are being ripped up by the high prices of our medication.  HELP!!!

patsie e parrish - camdenton, MO

douglas mann - greenville, SC

It's time for Medicare to seniors and disabled on Social Security with prescription drug costs to the maximum.  Make it easy for us seniors to understand.  There should NOT be a donut hole. All necessary drugs to keep people alive and in good health should be covered at no cost to us.

james - beaver dam, WI

You can bail out everybody else.How about us older folks?

RAY DEVER - CARY, NC

evelyn baures - odessa, TX

I am thankful that I have not had these problems as yet, but I know them to be true . We definitely need more control from our doctors rather than the insurance companies and the drug companies. I cannot get a generic for my prescriptions, and would need to drop them if they were not on my list of formularies, or take something that doesn't help me medically, because it is cheaper.

BETTY STAUDENMIER - BEAUMONT, TX

PLEASE DEAR GOD DO SOMETHING ABOUT THE ABUSE TO MEDICARE.   THIS IS A WONDERFUL THING THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS ALLOWED PROVIDERS TO TAKE OVER AND ABUSE.  I SEE MY OXYGEN BILLS AND NEBULIZER BILLS EVERY MONTH THAT MEDICARE IS PAYING A BIG PART OF.  IT IS RIDICULOUS THE COST FOR THE RENTAL OF EQUIPMENT AND THE MEDICINE IS SO OUTRAGEOUS.   THEN MY BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD PRESCRIPTION DRUG PROGRAM IS A REAL LAUGH.....ALMOST MONTHLY THEY ARE SENDING ME IS TAKING AWAY ANOTHER DRUG FROM THE LIST THAT THEY WILL NOT PAY ONE DIME ON....RIGHT NOW MY BLOOD PRESSURE MEDICINE (AVALIDE IS OVER $100. PER MONTH) INHALERS (ADVAIR, PROVENTIL, SPIRIVA) HAVE BEEN PUT ON THE LIST OF NO PAYS.. ADVAIR IS $200. MONTHLY, PROVENTIL $150. MONTHLY, $120. SPIRIVA) I AM 69 YEARS OLD AND CANNOT AFFORD TO QUIT WORKING SO THE CRO0KS CAN STEAL FROM MEDICARE. I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE, PEOPLE I TALK TO IN THE SAME BOAT AS ME ARE HAVING SAME PROBLEMS.  I  MIGHT AS WELL NOT HAVE DRUG INSURANCE.   MY EMPLOYER PAYS FOR A GAP POLICY FOR OTHER PROBLEMS BUT THE DRUG SITUATION IS DEPLORABLE.  THANKS FOR ANYTHING YOU CAN DO.

donna france - new lexington, OH

CAROLYN PINDER - MAIMI, FL

SHOULD BE GOVERMENT CONTROLLED

Norma Smith - Frankfort, IN

Bahman - Los Angeles, CA

James Cleland - Warren, MI

I need a tier 2 and a tier 3 drug for which there is no generic equivalent. Comparison shopping is next to impossible and prices can vary by more that $100 for a 90 day supply. This is insane.

darlene george - burlington, KY

we need change

David H Lundie - Salem, VA

Magdalene Talley - Upper Marlboro, MD

donna nelson - colgate, WI

I am in the donut hole in 3 months.

pamela j walraven - fairmount, GA

Jean Coons - Agency, MO

Patricia Carpenter - Kansas City, MO

Delores Crabb - Fort Sumner, NM

Billy Robbins - Delray Beach, FL

doris alpern - alpharetta, GA

Peter F. Donnelly - Smyrna, DE

It is disgraceful how those companies take advantage of the elderly and steal from the taxpayers. Their sheer greed is what has brought the US and the world to it's knees, not foreign armies."I have seen the enemy and the enemy is-------."

Helen Schwanda - Port Washington, WI

Joseph S. Leo - Baltimore, MD

Everything favors the drug companies, whats covered and premiums paid, and penalties if you wait to join.  It was a plan that was accepted, but I thought the govt. would adjust it to help the consumer, the only changes help the drug companies,

Linda Johnson - Machesney Park, IL

Hollis Johnson - Carrollton, GA

All my drugs but one have become generic, but I continue to reach the donut hole.  I should be staying well short of the donut hole...but its not happening.  The drug companies or the drug stores are playing games and/or manipulating prices. Its so complicated no one understand it.

Ruth Seidenberg - Tenafly, NJ

It has been disastrous to me and horrifying to my physicians that medicines that I need, many of which I have been on for several years are now being rejected despite the physicians attempts to contact Humana Insurance Company and explain my situation. It has required a great deal of time and my physician's time and expense to repeatedly appeal and, with no good reason, despite going there their formulary, my medicines are still rejected without adequate explanation.

Nadine Aultman - Easthampton, MA

I really think that the drug companies should NOT have the right to name their prices when so many people are taking their drugs.  They are greedy and that is not the american way !   We are all here to get along and I think that they should NOT give the drug companies the right to name their prices !   Many people cannot afford insurance even never mind drug coverage so where does that leave them?   Some people just don't have a consience I guess...Too bad.  What goes around comes around and in the end they'll be sorry for doing what they are doing !

Luigi & Linda Paese - Waterford, MI

Everything is so expensive that you can.t retire in comfort.

Scott Graham - Union Grove, WI

I'm tired of being a pawn of the insurance and drug company's. On what and what cost I can take certian drugs that my doctor has perscribed. The Donut hole sucks and it is directed at the poor who on fixed incomes can only take drugs until the money runs out. When it's either food/ housining or meds.IT"S GOT TO CHANGE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ruth Seidenberg - Tenafly, AL

Jeanne Schultz - Steubenville, OH

Joyce Corlett - Philadelphia, PA

Gene Wake - Hastings, MI

Donna Sanford - Redding, CA

Beverly Raymond - Wellington, OH

Veda Womack - Splendora, TX

Please fix Medicare so we do not have so many restrictions and high prices.  We are all about to sink

Donna Miller - La Belle, MT

I worked in a nusing home for 30 years and I know that there are problems, please help fix the problems before any more people are ruined financially due to poor management.

Barbara Carter - Pittsburgh, PA

Don Willingham - Scott, LA

Daryl Raymond - Wellington, OH

mary woodward - union city, TN

i agree on all of the points

Etta Huffman - West Branch, MI

I don't think its right that I should pay over a hundred a month for Prescription's and then those with no insuranse can get it for $4.00 and I have to pay $7.00 because I am with the medicare insurance

Kathryn A. Finnerty - North Providence, RI

One helpful suggestion.  I became eligible for Medicare on October 1, 2008.  My local hospital referred me to an independent insurance agent in town that specialized in researching drug plans.  By submitting the few generic drugs I take for high blood pressure, plus Lipitor, his computer program was able to search through 66 drug plans in my state and select the one most beneficial to me.  The monthly cost for the plan came to $5.60, with additional help from Social Security due to my low-income status.  When Humana doubled its premiums as of January 1, the monthly premium rose to $14.40, which is still a rock-bottom figure.  I fill all prescriptions (I have four; three generic, one name brand) at Wal-Mart.  I urge seniors looking for drug plans to visit an independent insurance agent and seek their advice as to the best plan.  They have a financial stake in securing your business.

Pat Shannon Jones - Towson, MD

Eunice Bahurinsky - Alexandria, VA

How lousy can you get??  Robbing the poor and elderly and others who need help with medicene, doctor, and insurance care.   Ha, Ha, Ha!!  You will all pay in the end and that time is coming much closer than you think and YES, you will all pay for not doing what is right for the people in the USA!  This Country was founded on Godly principles and all you ungodly people who are tearing this Country down will be punished.  I can hardly wait for that day to come.  You who think there is no answer necessary, will find out that Jesus Christ of Nazareth is not to be ignored and he is watching and waiting for even You to repent and turn from your wicked ways and come unto Him.  How do you think Obama is going to pay for all the taxes he is thinking of raking up when people will be dying left and right, and he is out to kill all preborn and unborn babies.  Who will be left for Obama and his gangster buddies to rule over??  WHERE'S THE MONEY????  HA, HA, HA, There you have it --Satan in disquise and Obama has all of you fooled.  FOOLS!!!hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!  Got cha!!!!

Judy Denniston - South Bend, IN

emma carvin - bradenton, FL

The insurance companies have run Medicare into the ground.  At this point, goverment medical coverage would be best.

Dolores Ferrero - Clairton, PA

Medicare needs to be fixed..it should be called HMO..because they have taken over Medicare..it is as though Medicare really no longer exists..It is supposed to be for medication..but it is inclusive of doctors, hospitals, testing facilities etc. etc.  The co-pays are horrible...and many seniors...just plainly do not get the testing etc..because of the mass of co-pays..Medicare needs to be reformed and given back to the government..ala the People..not the hmo's!  Our wonderful democratic congress changed it a few years back..and now we have to contend with it..They get all the wonderful coverage..and we are left with the "bag of worms"  WE WANT OUR MEDICARE BACK..YOU JERKS!

Joseph Knowles - Verga, NJ

We need to fix the drug plans so we can have the same care as if I was still working.  All we did was to make drug company more powerfull with control of the price of drugs. and Insurance company now have the power to tell our Doctors what we should or can't use .  I hope we can do something in my life time.

Tsun T Li - Manlius, NY

carolyn M. White - desloge, MO

Only the rich and the people who run Washington get good health care! Carolyn White

Joanne Fuson - Lusby, MD

Part D does not cover all drugs you are later put on. They pay every little toward drugs you need. I had a presciption drug plan from my husbands union and this is my first year on plan D. It's is terrible they should do better by senior's than Plan D it's the worst I've ever seen for a drug plan.

D. LaFlamme - Southington, CT

Time for a change

Barbara Dameron - Hubert, NC

We purchased the best prescription program for our needs and at the time all our drugs were covered under the plan. Two months later... the company raised the rates and would not covers many of our drugs.  Is this fair?? Hell NO!!

William Lanser - York, WY

Luis N Campos - Spring Hill, FL

Kathleen Minnerly - Fishkill, NY

Louise Caudill - Jefferson, NC

I work with participants every day through the SHIIP program. This is the worst program our seniors have ever had to deal with. I think it needs to be trashed and started all over. Please do not let the drug companies have control of it next time arround.

Mary M Smith - Decatur, IL

Medicare needs a major reconstruction. I turned 65 two years ago and found out I had walked into total chaos. It was so confusing Ihad to go with a Part D and the I had to find a Medicare supplement. I was bombarded with calls and mail from different c ompanies.

Damon Asher - Andrews, IN

I vote to fix medicare

krishna Saraf - Englewood, NJ

i support legislation to control the pharmaceticual and Insurance companies

Amy Stiles - Grand Ledge, MI

All the plans are the same why so many?

Phyllis hegyi - alexandria, KY

Too many seniors are not taking needed drugs because they are so expensive. Group insurance obtained through employers keep the drug costs down. When people retire and get on medicare part d their income is usually lowere and drug prices sky rocket. This is not fair.

Octavio Orta - Jasper, GA

It is time to change the system.

marilyn mcglynn - micco, FL

jennifer strickland - royston, GA

the gap makes it impossible to have meds and take care of regular living costs! if you r on disability and have a single parent family then a decision has to be made about which is more important,taking care of yourself or your family? of course your children come first hands down!! and you take what you can afford to get with the "left over" income. GAP means doing without proper medical care of the very problems that caused you to be on disability to be able to live a below poverty level existence and meet basic needs such as housing,eating,utilities.

Rosalie Erwin - Waterford, WI

I'm supposed to be on Lantus insulin in the pen form and I have yet to get the OK from our drug company..they are stalling because they would rather see me use the vials...the company also promotes using generac rather than brand names for the same reason although sometimes the brand name works better...

Herbert D. Fowler - Imperial, MO

JOHN BURNS - VILLAS, NJ

THIS COUNTRY SHOULD TAKE BETTER CARE OF IT'S SENIORS AND VETERANS BEFORE IT WORRIES ABOUT ILLEGAL'S......WHERE DID IT ALL GO WRONG???????????????????????

Shirley Welch - Nashville, TN

We are desparate, please help us.

Basil Welch - Nashville, TN

Please, please, please.

claudette Anderson - Ben Wheeler, TX

Ken Ramey - Clintwood, VA

Frances Royster - Randolph, VA

Paying for medicine is getting to be a hardship. We need help!

G S Jones - Marion, LA

Maxine Vandish - Granger, IN

Jean A. Krul - Narragansett, RI

My prescriptions were $1670 for the month of April.  I had already reached the "donut hole".

Sharon Lent - Lake Elsinore, CA

Donald J. Holzberg - North Miami Beach, FL

You should not be forced to join Part D when you do not need it to avoid penalties in case you join at a later date.

Mike Green - Gordonville, TX

courm evans - patoka, IN

Joseph Newton - Los Angeles, CA

Henry Grismore, Jr. - Frisco, TX

I think that the only person that should make decisions about your Prescriptions is Your Doctors

Debonair Akau - Lihue, HI

fix our medicare problem

Benjamin K Akau Sr - Lihue, HI

fix medicare part D

Jerry Aldridge - Smithville, MS

Medicare is outdated and does not include preventive medicine.  It should be fixed.

Darwin Hagan - Midwest City, OK

elijah griffin - hahira, GA

i think it should be looked at more closely

Ivan Budai - Beverly Hills, CA

We have worked and contributed to Medicare and Social Security.  Now that we have grown old and need the support, it should be there without stress and restrictions.

Gerry Bley - McPherson, KS

Medicare part D is a joke and just something to give the drug mafia more money.  I wish I could get out of it and I had never signed up for it.  My prescriptions are cheaper thru a pharmacy that does take Medicare part D.

CHRISTOPHER LANITIS - PINELLAS PARK, FL

DRUG PRICES NEED TO BE CONTROLLED AND REGULATED.

Carolyn - King, OR

I support the petition revise the medicare system so the drug companies are not running it!  They ar a tough bunch because they have been AND GETTING A WAY WITH IT.       Money speaks and they have a lot of it .  They are their on "money making" schemes which they can get away with because to their politcal connections and contributions.  They are cunnung and then act so innocent-what us? while we are using the money to formulate better drugs....but at a great cost to the consumer.

Mollie Huggins - Bay Minette,  AL

Please fix Medicare, I find all 10 of these thing on the list are true and need fixing; Thanks

William Bickmore - Saint Geroge, UT

These problems are agregious and need to be fixed to get my voat!!

Beverly Brunelle - Live Oak, FL

It is ridiculous that Medicare can not provide medication to keep my husband alive. Medicare does not authorize Xopenex for his breathing.Xopenex refuses to help us.He can not take lbuteral or Atrovent. Xopenex is the only thing that works. Medicare does not help the elderly who are on such limited budgets. the cost of Xopenex is over $400.00 for one (1) months supply.

GERRI MARTIN - DALLAS, TX

I HAVE MEDICARE RX. DRUG PLAN.. THEY HAVE DECIDED TO NOT LOWER  TWO DRUGS WHICH I MUST TAKE FROM TIER THREE TO TIER TWO, EVEN THOUGHT I HAVE TAKEN THE GENERIC OF THOSE DRUGS AND HAD SERIOUS PHYSICAL  SIDE EFFECT . MY DOCTOR SENT ALL THE INFORMATION AND THEY STILL REFUSE... I WISH I COULD RETURN TO THE PLAN I HAD LAST YEAR. I WOULD LIKE TO GET OUT OF ALL AFFILIATION WITH MEDICARE.

alexander c. nartatez - alexandria, VA

prior authorization gives me hard time to get the medication I really need for my kidney transplant.  I spent so much money on my medication "cellcept" because medicare doesn't cover it.

Joanne - Spokane, WA

Sonia D. Freidus - Lawrenceville, GA

I have only been on Medicare Part D since November 2008 and my drugs have already cost me a few thousand dollars and I am already in the "Donut Hole" for 2009 since some of my prescribed medications are Tier 2 and 3 drugs and generics for them are either not available and if they are available they did not help me in any way.  Sometimes it is cheaper for me to go to Canada Pharmacies to obtain them and I am now purchasing my Generics from Walmart as I get a 3 month supply for $10.00 and although Medicare Part D does not have me pay anything, what they pay for it goes into my $2,700 allowance so I am better off paying for it myself, although I still have to pay my monthly premium.    This I feel is very unfair, not only to me but to others.

Paulette Pierce - Merkel, TX

A' D. Bollinger - Scott City, KS

LaVerne A Gibson - Brighton, MI

Alice J. Bryan - Lenox, GA

Reggie Faust - Edgefield, SC

Maurice Pena - San Francisco, CA

I want to help as much as I can, I have Medicare Part D and I know the problems that are going on. So sign me in.

AZZIE HALL - WALLINGFORD, KY

INSURANCE WILL NOT COVER WHAT THE DOCTOR PRESCRIBES, MOST DRUGS THAT WORK ARE NOT COVERED, MEDICAL EQUIPMENT IS NOT COVERED EVEN THOUGH THE DOCTOR PRESCRIBES IT FOR YOU, DOES THE INSURANCE KNOW WHAT YOU NEED, I DO NOT THINK SO, YET MOST NEEDED DRUGS ARE NOT COVERED, IF THEY ARE NOT GOING TO PAY FOR WHAT THE DOCTOR PRICSCRIBES WHY ARE THE PREIUM SO HIGH, I PAY 96.00 FOR MEDICARE, AND 48.00 FOR PREPSCRITIONS, THATS ALOT OF MONEY NOT TO GET WHAT THE DOCTOR PRESCRIBES. AND THERE IS A DEDUCTABLE ON THAT, THIS IS NOT FAIR, YOU WORK ALL YOUR LIFE AND PAY SOCIAL SECURITY AND WHEN YOU SIGN UP YOU GOT TO KEEP PAYING ALL OVER AGAIN, WE SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY AFTER WE RETIRE OR BECOME DISABLED, THE PEOPLE THAT NEVER WORKED, A DAY IN THEIR LIFE HAS BETTER COVERAGE THAN WE WHO WORK ALL OUR LIFE, AND MOST OF THEM IS JUST FAKING THEIR DISABILTY, THIS IS NOT RIGHT,

Vicki Gasorski - Flat Rock, MI

Medicare definitely needs updating. I have Medicare AND Medicare Plus Blue but still can't afford to go to the doctor because my co-pay is so high. My hospital co-pay went from $0 last year to $700 this year (per hospitalization). The plans are so confusing that you almost need a college degree to understand the "vague" descriptions of the plans and pray you've made the right choice. Talking to insurance reps is just as useless because they get paid (in most cases) by how many plans they sell so that seems that is all they are interested in -- get the signature regardless of whether it is the right plan for the recipient. Yes, Medicare needs fixing and made simpler to make selection of supplemental plans.

Richard Brimm - Riddleton, TN

If you read the Top Ten Things Wrong with Medicare, I know that it will help all people on medicare and save the government money.

Evelyn J Steffan - Newport, OR

My Combivent cost me $116.00 a month but in Canada I could buy it for $21.00  there is something teribbly wrong with this system.  I have a friend who cannot get her medication cause medicarw says it is too expensive!

Beverly Mitro - Moore, SC

Please help us senior citizens who are struggling to stay healthy and alive

Dorothy D. Teel - Antoine, AR

Carmen kurzatkowski - washington, CT

YOU WILL ALL REAP WHAT YOU SOW UNDER THIS REGHIME!!!!!!!!!!

Tom Peabody - Oshkosh, WI

William B. Riese - Elkhorn, WI

Marlene A. Brooks - Burlington, NC

Please review " The Top Ten Things Wrong with Medicare" and take action in order to make the much needed changes for individual American citizens and our country's future.

Reba Lindsey - Rowlett, TX

Paul Weisman - Scottsdale, AZ

Anna Kristich - La Canada Flintridge, CA

Elmer Sipe - Athens, TN

Franz Noll - Newark, DE

I, as a cancer survivor with various other ailments is pleading to lower the drug prices. By the end of the second quartal, I am looking at the donut hole with no money to purchase my expensive medications. Please help!

Mr and Mrs Douglas Batz - Stockton, CA

Larry L. Lee - Goddard, KS

Robin Rabun - Aiken, SC

We need help with medicare now

Gayle Tison - Evans, GA

Waudena Rabun - Warrenville, SC

I can't afford my medicine now. please fix it.

Don Rabun - Aiken, SC

Fix medicare before it is to late to fix

luther ragan - cleveland, TX

BJ McIntosh - Bristol, VA

kenneth hagen - st chas, MO

I think the drug companys and the poiticians on the take wrote the bill.

william anderson - merritt island, FL

gloria anderson - merritt island, FL

i am having these problems now,with my insurance part d,i have been aproved for share of cost thru medicade and it has to be approved thru my ins. part d.before i can get my inslune for my diabeties,and also my pain med.thank you gloria anderson

Robert Marn - Chardon, OH

Becky Elliott - Lander, WY

I'm trying to unenroll from Medicare Part D, and was told I could not because I missed the time frame of Nov. Dec. and would have to wait until Nov. 2009 to do so. In the mean time I still am expected to pay the premium or be turned over to collection!!!! Can you believe the gall of this travesty? I found my two medicines are so much cheaper at another pharmacy and I don't have to pay for a subscription each month. And they are telling me I can't do it???

Bess Vanderford - Corvallis, OR

I should not have to worry about reaching the gap, and worrying and getting upset trying to pay for my medicines, since I am a diabetic and on insulin for life, it makes it very difficult for me.  I have to decide whether to eat or pay for my medicines and either way it is very dangerous for me.  So do fix it, make chronic medications that you will be on for the rest of your life, at least affordable, or is it Medicare's philosophy to kill off all the elderly by withholding financial assistance for medications of necessity. The drug companies charge far too much for their medications and I am sick and tired of hearing them lament that they need those exorbitant monies to develop new medications for us, that we can't afford anyway.  We need to seriously change the charges for those medications, that we can get in other countries at half the price, rather than in the US.  Why are they penalizing us for living in this United States!

SHELBY WOODROME - HONEA PATH, SC

THIS MEDICARE D PLAN NEEDS A BAD FIX

danny morton - conway, AR

Betty Mantiply - Asheville, NC

I have been caught in 8 of the 10 problems listed. Please fix

Beverley S Meginley - Wilmington, DE

I need ARIMIDEX and it puts me in the donut hole  very early on! Can't imagine how people pay for this.I am lucky, as my husband keeps working, at 69 yrs old. But what happens if something happens to him????????

carol squires - kansas city, MO

Robbie McConaughey - Nebo, NC

Betty Wainz - Belle Glade, FL

I have worked all my life, raise two children on my own (My husband never payed his child support and it was court order) so much for that. I got sick and my drugs cost $1295.00 a month , but my medicare advantage program only covers $2,700.00 a year.In January 2008 I was told I had colon cancer, 3 operations later I had to get chemo treatments, One treatment $10,046.00 and I had to pay 2,195.00 per treatment (That was 3 times a week) and not counting doctors visits and the drugs I needed. I received 4 treatments and I had to stop the treatments because I did have the money. I just can't believe that we live in the US and work all our lives to be treat this way, My live is now in GOD hands, we need changes and take care of our people and all these people coming from other counrty can get everything FREE

Carol Twyon - Sunapee, NH

I was diagnosed with Lung Cancer, Emphysema, Pneumonitis, Chronic Sinusitis, Celiac Disease, Milk Allergies, Candida and Hypothyroidism about a year and a half ago.  Before that, I never took any drugs or even an aspirin.  I take Advair (retail cost for one month $218.00), Spiriva (retail cost for one month $229.00); Singulair (retail cost for one month $144.00); Fluticasone (retail cost for one month $72.00) and a few other generic drugs.  If I had to pay for them for one year out of pocket without help from Medicare and my Supplemental Insurance, the total cost would be $8,323.44.  Now I will fall into the Medicare Donut Hole this June and have to pay for 7 months of my prescription meds out of pocket for a total of $4,848.14.  Now, do I cut my meds in half and hopefully be able to buy some food, or will I have to go out and get myself a job at the age of 70 yrs with all my problems? This is surely a sad state of affairs for the senior citizens who have very little money to live on.  I figure that the drug companies are slowly letting the elderly die because the greed for money has top priority in the "Good Ole USA".

Dale Anderson - Yuma, AZ

donald j. girouard - ivins, UT

Alden R Guillory - Surprise, AZ

In the vernacular of the young- FIX-IT!!   This has gone on much to long. American Lower and Middle class needs this help - just as corporate American does not want to be a medical insurer middle man.

Charlotte Shipley - Hendersonville, NC

You have succinctly stated my concerns about Medicare. Thank you for taking the lead in getting folks signed on for this concensus statement.

barbara hope - oklahoma city, OK

i am 74 years old and have worked since Iwas17 and I am so tired but have to work to pay my medical denist and opitical bills.Not a chance on.s.s as if any one gives a damn!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pat Stevens - Morris Plains, NJ

Robert Campbell - Connersville, IN

What gripes me is the big money the Goverment paid Employers to maintain prescription coverage of Employees and then the Employers dropped Prescription Coverage two years later for those retired Employees and others.

Pat Stevens - Morris Plains, NJ

I agree with you.  I am just starting medicare with a drug plan and a medigap policy.  I can't work this computer very well and I don't know what I will do when I have a problem.

Diane and Norman McNeal  Graham, FL

The Drug Companies need to give us Senior Citizens a better Prescription Plan. When you are young, you can get plans that you pay VERY LITTLE for medications, but when you get old, you are greatly penalized by having to pay an enormous amount for medication. Most of us Senior Citizens can not afford to pay for all the medications that the Doctors subscribe,  It is either pay for medicine or buy food to eat.

Allene Zitting - Washington City, UT

Things are definatly in need of a change with prices that should be lowered

Annie Levine - Saco, ME

I just signed up for Medicare and have been overwhelmed with figuring out options involving Medigap Plans, Advantage Plans, Companion Plans, Supplemental Plans, and Medicare Part D Plans.  There are hundreds of these dreadful plans to choose from.  What kind of diabolical plot is this? I'm voted for this Administration to fix it! Thank you, Annie Levine

Carolyn Tucker - Waverly, TN

I have MS and my part of the drug that I take in $135.00 for 30 days after the dreaded dough-nut hole.  I have just enough that I don't qualify for anything but it is still a hard ship  No medicine should cost that much.  The hole should be less.  Carolyn Tucker

Isabella Rovito - Brooklyn, NY

dave - sparks, NV

my doctor had me on lyrica 200mg 5 times a day but i would have to pay for it because some pencil pusher decided that i should only get 3 times a day they need to spend a week in my shoes and try to function with fibromyalgia on 600mg of LYRICA a day insted of the 1000 that my doctor prescribed and if any body knows what you need it is your doctor not somebody 2000 miles away that dosent know me from adam

mary coughlin - woodstock, IL

Have quit medicare rx because of 3 months of burea\cratic mess & trouble.

josephine miller - colonial heights, VA

the waiting period to get medicare for the disabled should become effective the day you are approved for medicare.

Bob Deinhart - North Port, FL

NINA EVERETT - COMO, MS

steven bower - springville, TN

1958 myself and brother (8 & 9) years of age signed a contract with the federal gov. for what is called "social security and benefits". We were informed that from that day forward we would have a tracking number assigned to each of us FOR LIFE! We were also told that if that day came and we were in dire need we would have assistance as long as we committed funds into thier program.Now at the age of 58 and on disability for damaged heart and seizures and arthritis, and THOUSANDS PAID INTO LATER the federal gov. has used funds from trust bonds MY MONEY into other less important programs and the FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HAS BROKE THE VERY CONTRACT THAT HAS FOLLOWED ME THROUGH OUT LIFE...SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER AND I'M SUPPOSED TO AGREE LIKE IT OR NOT?! I held up my end of the deal so why am I being screwed! Steven

Bill Davis - Hays, KS

carl hare - camden, NJ

Betty L. Little - Emmett, IL

I totally agree with the above petition.  I have experienced the "dreaded donut hole" and will do so again this year,

Thomas O Bryant Jr - Jacksonville, FL

fix medicare so there will be a healthy senior citizens group to vote for you in the future.

Ann  Edmonson - Petal, MS

Georgian Borchsenius - Siren, WI

I believe that the way the drug companies have designed the choices of drugs on the formulary to prevent individuals taking the same drug from banding together and negotiating for a lower cost is a symtom of how the system was designed to benefit the companies and not the citizens.  I and those of my senior friends voted our disapproval in the last election. This should be an indication that the priorities of Medicare must change.

Gail R. Madden - Watertown, CT

alan snedeker - farmington, CT

When I called the medicare advocate she wasn't allowed to advocate...she could only give information. When I wanted to drop the prescription plan we weren't allowed...meaning over $800 of our money will be pissed away . The plans need more flexibility and honest to goodness advvocates.

ann mogge - hanover park, IL

lorraine Bogle - Council Bluffs, IA

I do not want nationalized health care. Just fix what we have

Catherine A Regan - W.Wyoming, PA

yes i agree....fix medicare

AMANDO DALUSONG - LOS ANGELES, CA

I AM HAVING PROBLEM ON THE COST OF MEDICINES I AM TAKING EVERY MONTH. I AM RETIRED AND MY ONLY INCOME IS MEDICARE AND I HAVE TO PAY MY RENT AND EVERY DAY EXPENSES

wandahinton moroles - nome, TX

sharon scott - seneca, IL

I am 67 My drugs are not available in generic  they are life sustaining  after working for 50 years I now have to go without medication because of a donut hole........Donut holes are food to fill you not something to cause you to lose your your life and what bit of $ I have to raise my 10 & 12 year olds.

hugh c smith - connersville, IN

Paula Schwartz - Spring Hill, FL

We need tofix Medicare now!

Alice Stackpole - Stoneham, MA

Billie Rensberger, Ph.D. - Austin, TX

I am "in the donut hole," right now and considering giving up since I have to pay over $450/month for my medications and have no money to do it if I want to pay for my mortgage, drive a car, and work part-time where I force myself to work a little in order to live independently.  I am a diabetic and have not hope of finding an insurance company to accept me.  I have worked since I was 12 years old. Now, I am forced to do without insurance starting in March till maybe the middle of July, paying out every dime for my two types of insulin, Lantus and Humalog which costs over $337.00 a month plus.  I am 61 and getting discouraged.  Why is insulin so much when it mainly goes to poor people and to ethnic groups who as children did not eat the proper foods.  Please help.  Insulin has been around a long time and I believe the price is inflated by the manufacturers and I am sure people trying to cut down on it are suffering and dying.  Thank you.  Billie Rensberger, Ph.D.

C. A. Harrington - Elkhorn, WI

Louis Fields - New Roads, LA

Betty C. Hathcock - Salisbury, NC

I just found out that I have some things going bad in my heart.  This means that the doctor has put me on medication that I must take daily.  I do not have a choice.  This means that I can not take a weekend get away trip.  I haven't been anywhere in years.

Bob Dickson - Warminster, PA

As of april 5,2009 my wife is in the "Donut Hole"! My out of pocket cost for medical expenses was $ 16,500 last year. We will likely exceed that this year.

Barbara - Mt. Arlington, NJ

Ruth A. Porisch - Hutchinson, KS

My husband and I are approaching 69, and we both still work.  We both enjoy our work.  But we also need to: my husband hits the donut hole in July, and I usually hit it in September.  When that happens, our combined medication cost about $1000 a month. I have been trying to spread this out by not submitting my generics to the plan, as they are a smaller monthly cost, rather than a big hit at the end...and it makes my donut hole smaller.  But I have to get them at a different pharmacy, because my local Dillon's pharmacist has said he has to pay a $10,000 fine for each prescription he does not report.  This is a LIE!  MyPartD has taken this to the top compliaince officer of Medicare and he reports there is no such fine and that not submitting our generics is a patient right.    My husband has been a type 1 diabetic for 50 years.  He can never get insurance on his own.  He was only able to go out and start a new business...one that until the current recession, supported himself and two employees....because I had employment based insurance.  Now we both have Medicare.  Insurance that is not employment based would free up many people to follow their dreams and start small businesses that create jobs.  Our current system stiffles creativity.

John J Slesinski - Decatur, AL

bob Giese - kenosha, WI

i would be happy to have the same benifit packages our legislators have.....if it's good enough four them it's good enough for me. this would save so much planing time and i'm sure [like their pension] it's a very fair plan. whew!!!that's done....let's  bring home the troops.   bob

Glen G. Wilson - Las Cruces, NM

James Blaine - Post Falls, ID

It costs me too much money. RX are my biggest expenditure

Bobby Hood - Covington, GA

The so called prescription plan through medicare is an absolute joke.  After a couple months I am in the dreaded donut hole and it takes my entire social security check to pay for prescriptions.  I don't get out of the donut hole until the year is almost gone.  Something needs to be done about the high costs of brand drugs because some of us can't take the generic.

Bill Balmer - Seminole, FL

We buy part of our drugs from Canada just to stay out of the donut hole.  We got stuck with a $1658 bill for two weeks of an antibiotic in December, 2008, because of the donut hole.   Medicare Advantage Plans were designed for the insurance companies by the insurance companies.  These companies rake in 14% more from the Medicare program, on the average, than the amount paid to normal Medicare recipients.  These MAPs should be abolished, or, alternatively, paid the same as the normal Medicare recipient.  They should definitely NOT be paid more!!  They are just HMOs or PPOs that add more regulations and restrictions to our coverages.  Get rid of them!!

Elmer{FORD}Laster - Killen, AL

Please pass this on to every one you know.

Robert J. Dougherty - Hallandale, FL

Donut hole is a killer when my meds cost $ 1541.00 per month.

Billy Whisenant - Booneville, MS

biagio barone jr - richmond, VA

I am well educated and I get confused with the options, deductibles and premiums offered in the various plans.  I finally do sort it out but what about the people who do not have the financial expertise or computers to delve into the various programs.  A standard needs to be set.  There was a difference in cost of over $1000 per yr taking one plan over another and I only have one drug.

arlene brown - churchville, PA

Andrea Earls - Hampton, VA

I would like to see Part D be more fair. We also should not be penalized if we take 0 drugs and do not wish to enroll at the present time.

Betty Preston - Nashville, TN

I am a senior citizen, and I"m all for fixing medicare

Athena Vagelatos - Southampton, NY

The biggest problem is the financial one that seniors are facing.  Yes, you can have the original Medicare but you must definitely roll out $ for a supplemental insurance as well.   When the premiums got too high, i switched to an Advantage program.  However, what they pay out for doctors is not what medicare (original) would have paid.  Thus, now I have to pay not only the co-pay but the difference between what the insurance company pays and what Medicare would have paid.  So, am I saving the monthly premium?  No, this month cost me a fortune between the doctor who does not participate in the plan and all the medications I had to paiy.  Someone in the Senate/Congress has to really believe in this to become an advocate.

Adrian M Overstreet - Roanoke, VA

Insurance and drug companys have too much control of price and treatments of their clients.

alan mccoy - louisville, KY

we need help. on disability and 55 and insurance is too high for my income.

Harold Eskey - Mt Crawford, VA

Arlene Eskey - Mt Crawford, VA

Karyn Blake - Ooltewah, TN