In the May 12 Sun Journal editorial “Terrible trade-off,” the Medicare prescription drug benefit was unfairly characterized. The writer also disregarded the true cost-savings of the new program.

This historic prescription drug benefit will, in fact, provide immediate savings and health care peace of mind to hundreds of thousands of Maine residents.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2006, all 227,000 Maine Medicare beneficiaries will be eligible for prescription drug coverage and will see savings as high as 50 percent for their prescriptions. Additionally, 75,000 low-income beneficiaries will be eligible for even broader coverage. They will pay no premium for their prescription drug coverage and their drug co-pays will be nominal.

The editorial is right about one thing: “Seniors will likely get more help than they do now.” For the first time ever, seniors will have the option of getting the coverage they need to pay for life-saving medicines.

One of the strongest principles behind the Medicare prescription drug benefit is freedom of choice. Seniors can choose the type of coverage that is best for them. They will be given greater control over their own health care.

The Medicare prescription drug benefit is not about trade-offs. It is about providing financial security for Maine seniors during their golden years.

Ken Johnson, senior vice president of communications, Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, Washington, D.C.

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