We hear so much negativity about the Medicare Part D drug coverage that I wanted to let the public know that Maine is doing many things right. Our leaders in Maine are to be commended.

I tried unsuccessfully to find my own drug plan, and no one would or could help me. Our federal government enrolled me in a plan that was not going to cover insulin and some heart medicines. I was scared, and knew it was going to be a choice between paying the light bill, eating the right food and paying for drugs or being hospitalized. Some plans required prior authorizations for drugs I had taken for years.

The state of Maine, Gov. Baldacci and Jude Walsh stepped in and auto-enrolled me in a better plan, one that would fit my needs, as the MaineCare program had been paying for my medicine, so it knew what I took. Thankfully, this plan is working. I am very lucky.

My co-pays are higher, and I do have some more to pay, but it will soon be resolved when this whole Medicare mess gets straightened out. There is much more for the state to do. Receiving more funds to help with drugs that are not covered by drug plans and to cover co-pays are needed.

The state of Maine must be repaid by the federal government for the millions of dollars spent helping elderly and disabled Mainers. Medicare Part D is working because of Maine.

Dorothy M. Soule, Farmington

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