Medicare drug plan. What are the chances..

[truth2power]

that the states that have stepped in to defray the cost of co-pays for seniors not in the computers yet, will not be reimbursed by the feds? (I saw something that said regulations prohibit this). Is it really workable that, failing getting money from the feds, pharmacies will be able to collect from each separate health care provider?

If states end up having to eat the cost, how will that affect state revenue available for other purposes, i.e. school funding?

Simply stated: Will this boondoggle deprive the states of money already badly needed for other purposes?

Doing some research on something. Would really appreciate thoughts on this? Thanks. :-)

[MissB]

1. I read last week that Scotty's brother

(Mike McClellan), who is head of HHS, said that the feds would not reimburse the states. The insurance companies are supposed to do that.

on edit:

http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/living/health/13628735.htm

[truth2power]

2. That's what I read, too. Couldn't remember where, though.

So, if each pharmacy goes to each of hundreds(?) of insurance companies involved to get reimbursed...seems like a huge task, with little benefit after you subtract the time involved. Hmm..

Thanks for your reply. I was hoping this would get a few more responses. Maybe it's too stupid a question. I'm just thinking that school districts, in poor financial shape already, won't even be able to count on the little revenue they get from the state, given the states are practically broke already.

Seems like this is all connected - Bush and his giant screw-ups leave even less money for social needs. Not that I didn't already know that!

ed: Where's the flaw in my reasoning, here?

[MissB]

3. I don't think there is a flaw in your reasoning.

I would expect that even if the states are able to get some compensation, it won't be as much as they shell out- I'm guessing that the states are covering prescriptions that may not be eligible under certain plans.