Statement of Shannon Collins, San Rafael, California

I am writing to give testimony regarding my experience with Medicare Part D. 

I became disabled 15 years ago due to back problems. I found myself in the Medicare system at an early age, coming from excellent health insurance that was paid for by my employer.  As a disabled person my Medi-gap options were severely limited.  Given the few choices I had, Kaiser's Senior Advantage Plan was my best option.

Prior to the start of the Medicare Drug Plan, Kaiser already included a drug benefit as part of their Senior Advantage Plan.  It has changed form during the time I've been a member, but for the past two years (2004 and 2005) the plan consisted of unlimited generic brand coverage at a cost of $10 for a 100 day supply.  (This cost was the same whether the drugs were picked up at a Kaiser pharmacy or obtained through mail order.) 

With the advent of the Medicare Drug Plan my monthly membership premium increased from $70 to $101.  The co-payments for generic drugs tripled to $30 for a 100 day supply if picked up at the pharmacy.  If obtained through mail order, the cost is $20 for a 100-day supply--still twice as much as it cost last year.

Although brand-name coverage has been added, the copayments are quite steep--$120 for a 100-day supply if picked up at the pharmacy, and $80 if obtained through mail order. Unfortunately, Kaiser has also added the infamous "doughnut hole" so I am doing my best to avoid brand-name drugs because their higher price will put me on the fast track into that hole.

Diazepam is one of the generics I take. It’s in a class of drugs known as the “benzodiazepines.” I’ve used diazepam for many years to help with muscles spasms and migraine headaches.  I’m intolerant of many drugs, and this one has been a lifesaver for me.  Until this year I was always able to get it through the Kaiser pharmacy.  However, for questionable reasons, Medicare has opted to exclude the benzodiazepines from their formulary.  Rather than wade through the appeals process, I  am purchasing the drug at Costco (the cheapest source I've found).

When I contacted Kaiser about my rate increases they blamed Medicare.  When I contacted Medicare, they blamed Kaiser.  In fact I’m not certain who is responsible; I just know I’m paying two to three times more for my prescriptions than I did last year--and I know I’m not alone. Although some people are benefitting from this plan, millions are not.  

I would like to see the enrollment deadline for Part D extended through the end of this year.  Then I would like to see the plan overhauled, starting with making Part D a part of traditional Medicare where drug prices are negotiated and the doughnut hole eliminated.  Perhaps then, this mess that’s been called a benefit, might be on it’s way to truly becoming one.