Despite all of the earlier problems w/Medicare D(isaster), there have been a few articles recently about the wonders of the program, despite the fact that people have been unable to get their rx’s and, in some/many instances, have had to go to the hospital. What also has been pushed aside is all of the behind-the-scenes action that took place to get Medicare D(isaster) passed, such as the questionable actions of John Breaux, Billy Tauzin, and Tom Scully in leaving their elected/appointed office and going to work to further the rx cos interests.
As written by Robert M. Hayes, predisent of the Medicare Rights Center, “The administration spin machine is hard at work to pretend that this tawdry story is not the reality facing the American people today.”
More examples of PR used in promoting Medicare D(isaster) are listed below.
- a Valentine’s Day ad w/card that emphasized the importance of Medicare D(isaster) assistance by family members,
- the “salesmanship” of gwb in persuading seniors to “take a look” at the Medicare D(isaster) plans,
- the Medicare Rx bus that is, in theory, supposed to “assist” people w/choosing a Medicare D(isaster) plan, and
- Michael Leavitt’s travelling the counry and signing people up for policies, despite the fact that his advice to his parents on choosing a Medicare D(isaster) policy put their retiree coverage at risk.
However, no mention is made of the cost of these efforts in “promoting” Medicare D(isaster). This is appalling, when it one fully realizes the impact that it has had on many. In short, money that could very well be used in establishing a single-payer health care system is being squandered.
Also, the remedies that have been suggested appear to preserve Medicare D(isaster), as opposed an overhaul, which was originally advocated.
On another note, prior to Medicare D(isaster) being passed, Max Baucus recieved $1,243,988.00 from the Finance/Insur/RealEst sectors and $637,650.00 from the health sector. In 2004, it shows that he then had $1,286,062.00 from the Finance/Insur/RealEst sectors, and $746,950.00 from the Health sector. Amounts of $1,356,161.00 from the Finance/Insur/RealEstate and $877,855.00 from the Health sectors are listed for this year.
Another “coincidence” is that, along w/John Breaux, Baucus was the one of two democrats “allowed” in the final negotiations of Medicare D(isaster)!!!
