After retirement at age 63 I was provided a continuation of my medical insurance with a low premium for my wife and myself. When I reached 65 the company increased my premium to where it was more affordable to move to Medicare administered by United Health Care with a premium paid from my Social Security and a low monthly payment from me, but not covering my wife. I have had major medical issues and very expensive surgeries, with 95% of costs covered. I conclude that Medicare is a very good, though not perfect, program. There are still too many copayments with a retirement income. My primary complaint is with the Part D prescription program. This plan is designed to provide large profits for the insurance companies by requiring a 'hole' that requires paying fully for prescriptions after $2700 during a year. The cost of one of my 'brand name drugs Niaspan is nearly $300 per month alone. The $2700 is not the insured amount it is the total paid by me and the insurance company...quickly reached. I found a generic Niaspan available outside the U.S. by a reputable pharmaceutical company at less than 1/6th the cost, and most others less expensve than here in the U.S. There are generics also available outside U.S. not sold in U.S. a conspiracy by FDA and drug manufacturers.

The recent announcement that the drug companies are cutting brand name drug prices in half is laughable. It does not solve the gap problem and with the price already very inflated they still will make enormous profits.

We need to close the gap, reduce copayments based on income or eliminate. A Medicare for everyone is a very good option.