Reply #10: My understanding of the "new" plan is that it's essentially the "old" plan [View All]

[zann725]

...with "new hype." My understanding is that the ONLY people qualifying for additional subsidy on their drugs are those essentially earning $900/mo. or UNDER. Those individuals ALREADY qualify for the gov't. subsidy. The bulk of people on Medicare (including people on SSDI who generally receive SLIGHTLY over $900/mo.) will continue to pay FULL retail drug price (minus 10-20%, IF they carefully "shop" for the cheapest venues). Therefore, most Elderly AND Disabled will be paying about 80% more for their drugs than anyone on full income, with a private health plan. A cruel joke...given that the Elderly and Disabled are the ones least able to afford the pricey drugs which their age and disability cause them to need in bulk. That's "family values" and "christian (with a little "C") compassion" for ya!