Rockville resident Ruth Bernards’ Medicare coverage doesn’t cover her thousands of dollars worth of medical prescriptions. And because she has Medicare, AARP does not pay for the drugs, either. So she has to.
Her situation places her in what U.S. Rep. Ben Cardin, D-Md., calls the Medicare Part D “doughnut hole” citizens forced to foot the bill for their prescriptions while also paying the full premium for their prescription drug plans.
According to figures released by Cardin Tuesday, 51,000 Marylanders fall into this category, which is why one of his main senate campaign focuses is health care reform.
Speaking to several dozen seniors in Rockville, the Democratic Senate candidate outlined his three-point plan for prescription drug coverage.
He says prescription drug coverage must be a guaranteed benefit of Medicare “just like seeing a doctor.” This coverage also should be coordinated with retiree benefits.
“Right now, you’re either in one or the other,” he told the audience.
And lastly, Cardin is pushing for a change in legislation so that the government can negotiate costs with the drug companies, something not allowed under President Bush’s plan.
Cardin’s primary opponent in the Democratic party, Kweisi Mfume, shares similar views in terms of health care reform.
Contacted by phone Tuesday, Mfume’s campaign manager, Mark Clack, said Mfume, too, strongly supports universal health coverage. The former NAACP chairman also agrees that the current Medicare plan is confusing and needs to be reformed so that seniors are not being overcharged on their prescriptions.
