Robin Carnahan: “since the new Medicare prescription drug plan took effect at the beginning of this year, Members of this body have heard…”

“since the new Medicare prescription drug plan took effect at the beginning of this year, Members of this body have heard from thousands of frustrated seniors struggling with the confusing and poorly written plan. Now they are dealt a new blow: seniors who don't register in time will be forced to pay a penalty for the rest of their lives. Most seniors have yet to choose a prescription drug plan, many because they are unable to navigate the complex system, others because they are currently not taking any medication. For every month after May 15, seniors who have not enrolled will be charged an extra 1 percent of the payment of any plan they eventually do choose, for the rest of their lives. This new tax on prescription drugs is yet another example of how this Republican plan was written to benefit large drug companies, not the Medicare recipients who need the help. Democrats are fighting to extend this deadline. Our seniors should not be penalized with a lifetime surcharge for doing their research on these plans. ____________________”