So it was all “Much Ado About Nothing”

We were simply silly to worry about the botched launch of the Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan. The time spent hand-wringing over the Chemo patients left without pain medications and the maintained mental patients forced to abandon their therapeutic regimens was simply time spent in vain, because you see, everything is just fine.

That is what Marilyn Crews of Kansas City asserts on the Sunday, February 19. 2006 editorial page of the Kansas City Star, under the “Voices” heading:

“Numerous articles have been printed criticizing the Medicare Prescription Drug Program. I require only one prescription and I am saving $100 per month on this plan. Am I happy? You bet. Satisfied customers should express their satisfaction.”

First, Ms. Crews, let me congratulate you on your excellent health. Is it safe to say that you enjoy a middle-class or better existence since you enjoy such vigorous health at Medicare age? Access to fresh fruits and vegetables, routine and preventative care, long-term relationships with one family physician, even neighborhoods safe enough to take an evening stroll in, are all factors in determining ones overall health. I assume you enjoy those social benefits since you enjoy such excellent health. And then there’s the gene pool; but that’s a whole ‘nother kettle of fish….

No, Ms. Crews, it was rather callous of you to be so snarky in your “Voices” comment. Real people, who do not enjoy the benefit of vigorous good health you do are suffering needlessly under this plan. Before you cue the balloon drop and the “Mission Accomplished” banner, please remove your blinders and take a good hard look around at the people being genuinely affected; go spend a morning hanging out by the pharmacy n the lobby of the Samuel U. Rodgers Community Health Center and witness the hassles and headaches experienced by both the needy patients and the harried, overworked, and underpaid – yet supremely dedicated - pharmacists, and then feel so smug and self-righteous about your satisfaction with the plan, if you still can.