Medicare's Work in Progress

Harold Meyerson's Jan. 25 op-ed called Medicare Part D a "mind-boggling failure."

This program has been in effect barely a month. The transition is

not without problems, but it is not the disaster that Mr. Meyerson described.

Medicare is responding to many of the initial program glitches by issuing guidance to plans and pharmacies on transition policies. It has increased the number of customer service representatives and encouraged the plans to do the same. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced how it intends to reimburse the states that have picked up the tab for those who fell through the cracks. CMS also has caseworkers finding solutions so that beneficiaries can get their medications.

The Medicare Rx Education Network, a coalition of 79 organizations, is working with CMS on identifying and addressing problems and on education and outreach.

Most people are getting their prescriptions. In fact, more than 1 million prescriptions are being filled every day under the program. More than 3.6 million people have signed up for the drug benefit, and 20,000 more are enrolling daily online.

Is Medicare Part D rolling out seamlessly? No. But today is better than yesterday. And tomorrow will be better than today. This plan needs a chance. It has the potential to save lives.

JOHN BREAUX

Chairman

Medicare Rx Education Network

Washington