I am writing to express my concerns about the new Medicare drug bill that was recently passed by the U.S. Senate.

Not only will this bill be very expensive over the next 10 years, but it will provide only limited benefits to seniors.

Middle income subscribers will need to buy a private plan or a managed care plan. There is a $35 monthly premium and a deductible that could increase yearly, depending on the whim of the insurance company, since there are no restrictions in premium increases.

Then there is a cap at $2,250 until $5,100 is spent. The list of covered drugs will differ with every insurance plan that will offer the drug benefit, as will the co-pays for the drug. There are penalties for every month they do not sign up.

This bill could lead to the dismantling of the Medicare system because it encourages the use of private or managed care plans to administer the drug benefit. This approach has not proved to be successful in a rural state such as Maine.

Lastly, the bill prohibits the government from negotiating for lower drug costs. However, there is no limit in the amount of profit the insurance and drug companies can make. This is corporate welfare for the insurance and drug companies.

Medicare seniors deserve a better drug bill than this.

Diane Rancourt, Lewiston