NASW Expresses Concern about Medicare Prescription Drug Legislation

Medicare should not be competitive and market-driven

Washington—The National Association of Social Workers (NASW), representing 145,000 members nationwide, urges lawmakers to reject the Medicare prescription drug legislation agreement.

In a recent letter to members of Congress, Elizabeth J. Clark, PhD, ACSW, MPH, executive director of NASW, said, “We believe that senior citizens and people with disabilities need and deserve a Medicare prescription drug benefit that is both affordable and accessible. The proposed legislation offers neither.”

In addition, NASW says the proposed agreement establishes a dangerous precedent for traditional Medicare to compete against private plans.

“Even though it is being touted as a ‘demonstration’ program,” says Clark, “any proposal that can negatively affect six million beneficiaries is NOT a demonstration.”

According to many social workers, it is, in fact the first step in privatizing Medicare and could ultimately result in forcing the frailest beneficiaries into choosing between private plans that severely restrict choice or accepting unaffordable premium and other out-of-pocket increases.

“There is also the issue of the $12 billion in additional subsidies that will be given away to private insurance companies, “ adds Clark. “The business model moves Medicare in the wrong direction—it cannot provide the stability necessary for a health care system serving senior citizens and people with disabilities,” she says.

NASW also agrees with other advocates that the drug benefit coverage remains inadequate and unaffordable for many. The conference agreement contains gaps in coverage that leave millions with large out-of-pocket expenses, including co-pays, deductibles, and premiums.

Ultimately, the proposed agreement undermines Medicare’s universal nature and fairness.

For more information about NASW’s role in health care legislation, please visit http://www.socialworkers.org/advocacy/issues/health.asp

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW), in Washington, DC, is the largest membership organization of professional social workers with 145,000 members. It promotes, develops and protects the practice of social work and social workers. NASW also seeks to enhance the well being of individuals, families and communities through its advocacy.