New Medicare Rx Plan: Prescription Drug Assistance

The True Cost of Prescription Medication
The cost of prescription medication plagues many people residing in the United States. The problem is not a new one. However, the problem is growing to match the rising number of uninsured and underinsured individuals. The high cost of prescription medication leads many individuals to find alternative, often dangerous means to obtain affordable prescription medication. These prescription medications are not a luxury item. Often, they save lives and provide a necessary means for living a full life. President Bush has made a step forward with his new Medicare Modernization Act. Nevertheless, what becomes of individuals who do not qualify? Are only elderly individuals affected? The answer is no. It is time to take an in-depth look at who is affected, and what we are doing to eliminate this problematic issue. Why? Because in the United States of America, every citizen should have available a prescription drug coverage plan regardless of age, income level, ethnic background, or religious preference. 

The Government Takes Affirmative Action
Social Security is the federally funded program that offers supplemental monetary assistance to Americans who are of retirement age, or qualify as permanently disabled. Medicare is the federally funded health coverage that becomes available to people who receives benefits from Social Security. Medicare has never had a prescription drug benefit until January of 2006. Many hail the new Medicare Rx as the much needed fix to this health dilemma. However, many view the program through the eyes of a skeptic. Is the Medicare RX too little too late? Is it just sticking a Band-Aid on a much bigger problem? On the other hand, is the new Medicare RX as beneficial as it seems?