For decades, senior citizens had to pay for their medicine out of pocket. Images of older people eating pet food or skipping much-needed medication forced legislators to act. Medicare Part D was implemented a decade ago as the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003.
How well has it worked? A recent survey of retirees concludes that this program has been highly successful. Nine out of 10 people covered by Part D are satisfied with their drug coverage. The program enables seniors to save money and have access to medicine they might otherwise skip.
It still makes sense for seasoned citizens and those who love them to be wary of prescriptions that may clash with each other, or drugs that may be inappropriate for elders. You can learn more about these in our Guide to Drugs and Older People.
