Guest Column: Spare, don't spar over, Medicare Part D

By:  Michael Dabbs, President

Brain Injury Association of Michigan

Fear over the “fiscal cliff” has come and gone—at least for the time being.  Sequestration is upon us.  With one fiscal crisis comes the next and lawmakers and the President continue to face increasingly intense and legitimate pressure to finally address America’s budget problems.  Unfortunately, some have suggested that trimming services that seniors across Michigan depend on like Medicare Part D is an option that is once again on the table.

I am not one to argue that reform and spending restraint in Washington is not needed.   No one can deny the real fiscal challenges our leaders face in Washington; it’s that reality that leads to images of dangerous cliffs.   But the fact is, it is programs that work and provide cost-effective results, like Medicare Part D, that should be copied, not devastated.

Let me share an example.

As many people know, especially Michigan’s older residents, Medicare Part D, also known as a Prescription Drug Plan, was created in 2003 to help cover the costs of prescription drugs for patients and seniors.   We know that more than 40 million people are on Medicare in America, with 9 out of every 10 participating in the prescription drug coverage offered through the Part D program. 

The Journal of the American Medical Association recently found that improved access to medicines through Part D actually saves about $1,200 per year in hospital, nursing home and other costs for each senior who previously lacked comprehensive drug coverage.  Spread that number out across a year and Medicare saves taxpayers $12 billion annually.

Part D is an unusual government program in that it has so far cost less than what was expected and participants in the program are happy with the results.  It is a success story and a cost-efficient program that many people in Michigan and across the country rely on.  Its future, however, is uncertain as federal budget problems and current budget talks in Washington, DC make Medicare Part D and many other programs targets for government spending cuts.

Medicare Part D offers participants in the program a range of coverage options that promote both affordability and access to medicines by effectively negotiating savings on drug costs.  Again, this is efficiency and savings in government that we don’t always see.  Drastic cuts to the program put those things at risk, not to mention the health and access to care critically important to millions of our neighbors across the country and here in Michigan.

Regardless of where you live or for whom you voted, each of us is represented by members of Congress facing these critically important decisions.  Michigan has a voice that needs to be heard, especially considering we have leaders like Sen. Debbie Stabenow, Sen. Carl Levin and Cong. Fred Upton who are in key positions of leadership and influence.

Republican or Democrat, liberal or conservative, big decisions are waiting.  Decisions like preserving and protecting Medicare Part D for those in Michigan who rely on it.