Clearly, the COLA is not going to be enough to offset these higher costs, particularly in heating,
We just wish the same kind of self-restraint could be true for the makers of brand-name drugs.
Right now, it seems to be relatively quiet. For people (who are enrolled in the program), it's actually working.
There's no need to rush in, but most people will probably be better off getting the coverage than not joining up.
Of course, these trends are playing out differently across the states. Florida, for example, has already experienced a demographic wave that illustrates the need for timely changes in state programs.
We really believe this coverage is going to save lives.
I think the industry is more concerned about shareholders than they are about the patients who take the pills.
It's moving in the right direction. I will say that. But this is the sixth year in a row of price increases that are at least twice the rate of inflation, so it has a cumulative effect that I think is pretty serious.
Economists are reporting a growing economy. But AARP has found that real family income has not increased since the late 1990s for mid-life and older Americans, and over the last year family income for the age group has declined.
Still, none of these discount programs can counteract the full impact of these price increases. Even with the discounts, these prices are hurting people.
